How do you explain to others that stage IV breast cancer is serious?
Many people don’t understand how different stage IV breast cancer can be from early-stage breast cancer. How do you explain it to people who don’t get it?
Thank you for sharing. I can't imagine what these last 5-6 months have been like for you. How is your body responding to your current treatment? 💙 Best, Amani (@AdvancedBreastCancer.net team) Oh no problem. I am glad to hear that you have been on the same treatment for a little over a year & I absolutely love connecting with you. What's been the most frustrating side effects you've dealt with since getting on this treatment? 💙 Best, Amani (@AdvancedBreastCancer.net team) that's the hard part, is the missing of the old self and accepting the new normal. We have an article written by one of our advocates who talks about this idea of "what is new normal anyways" I am linking it here: https://advancedbreastcancer.net/living/accepting-life in case you find it interesting😀
💙 Best, Amani (@AdvancedBreastCancer.net team)
I don't know that you can make someone understand if they don't want to know. My wife's grown kids didn't get it until it was almost too late. People often choose to remain in ignorance to protect themselves. All my best to you! Kaye, Team Member
It is indeed frustrating trying to explain MBC by a MBC Lifer. But please be kind and patient. (I'm not saying you aren't) Ask yourself how much you understood about MBC before you had your diagnosis. Now we must proclaim from the roof tops how research $ is less for MBC and we die from it. Encourage knowledge. Do what you can. For the last few years I have helped raise $35,000 going to a research institute with my Dragon Boat Breast Cancer Survivors. That's just a drop in a large pool, but I am staying positive. Good luck finding a way.
Wise words. While those who are not living with or caring for someone living with advanced breast cancer may never really understand what it is like to live with a terminal and invisible disease, education about what they can do to support and raise awareness can go a long way. $35,000 is impressive! What kinds of efforts or activity did you engage in to fundraise? Do you have any advice for others who may want to start fundraisers but don't know how to begin? We'd love to hear more! Warmly, Patty, Team Member
