My Journey with MBC

My journey with breast cancer began in December 2016. During a routine breast self-exam I found a lump in my left breast. The area was tender and at first I thought it was a bruise. I mentioned it to a nurse friend who advised me to get it checked out immediately.

So, after a visit to my GP, two mammograms, a CT scan, and a biopsy, I got the horrible news. It was positive for breast cancer.

I immediately took action

I was referred to an excellent breast cancer surgeon who performed a partial mastectomy. She removed my left breast and several lymph nodes. I now have an ugly lump of scar tissue on the left side. That was followed by months of radiation treatments. Finally, in June 2017, I was declared "cancer-free!" I felt like a survivor!

Fast forward five years, when during a CT scan for my chronic lower back pain, they saw something in my lungs they didn't like. So in January 2023, after numerous tests, scans, and biopsies on both lungs, the devastating results came back. It was positive for breast cancer, Stage 4 metastasized to both of my lungs. It was no longer in my breasts at all.

The moment that changed everything

That moment has dramatically changed my life in so many ways - both really hard and extremely difficult. Because of decisions made as a result of this diagnosis, my life is also full of incredible love and joy.

This time is very different. The first time was about "getting rid" of the cancer. This time there is no "getting rid " of it. There is no cure, no surgery, no radiation. The first time I was willing to do everything BUT chemotherapy. This time my only option was chemotherapy, with the hope of possibly shrinking tumors, or at least keeping them from growing and spreading.

In January 17, 2023, my whole life became about learning to live with Metastatic Breast Cancer. I was terrified. I was referred to a extremely caring oncology practice and a wonderful oncologist. I truly feel like I'm in very good hands.

My current treatment plan

I am currently taking Ibrance, an oral chemo that is a targeted therapy. I take it for 21 days, with a week to recover. I also get Faslodex shots in each butt cheek once a month. I'm currently on Round 21 of my treatment. My side effects are basically the same as chemo infusions, they've just come on slower and never go away. Right now the cancer is not growing or spreading although, it's not shrinking. I'll be on this drug regimen until it stops working or I can't take the side effects any longer.

My nurse practitioner says I'm not fighting cancer, as someone loses in a fight. She instead says "I'm learning to live with a chronic illness". So that's what I'm doing. We're trying to reduce my stress, which is not easy at the most stressful time of my life. I'm trying to eat healthier, sleep better and get my exercise in. It's no longer good days or bad days. Now most every day has some good in it.

I've moved closer to my 2 adult sons and 4 precious grandchildren. They are my joy. They are the reason I keep putting one foot in front of the other. My mom who is 87 is my biggest cheerleader. (She's the one sitting in pic I uploaded.)
I have my awesome rescue pup, a boxer named Penny, who gets me up and out for a walk every morning and evening. I have my gardens which are beautiful, as playing in the dirt distracts me relieves some of my stress.

Leaning on those I love for support

Cancer is expensive - the extra costs involved add a lot of stress to my life. I am 100% disabled and my only income is SSDI. It's hard to ask for help.

As a single mom, I'm used to being the one who takes care of everyone else. Now my adult sons help take care of me. I'm so blessed to have them.

One day at a time, one foot in front of the other I'm learning to live with my new normal.

I'm trying to get it through my head that Metastatic Breast Cancer is not necessarily a death sentence. The advances in treatment options have already given me an additional 20 months with my precious grandchildren. So I'll get up tomorrow and do another day. One thing I know for sure --"CANCER SUCKS"!