Breast Cancer Stage 4
I was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Had chemotherapy, lumpectomy, mastectomy and radiotherapy.
In May I discovered it had spread to my pelvis and spine.
Had a tumor removed from my spine followed by radiotherapy.
Am now on chemotherapy[Taxol] weekly. One week off per month.
Feel very anxious as wonder if chemotherapy is working as originally I had only a partial response to chemotherapy. Find it hard to live each day day by day.
Would love to hear from anyone in a similar position.
Comments
Thank you so much Ellie for your kind message.
I did get in touch with the Irish Cancer Society and they were great.
I have had no scans yet. They are due shortly to see how things are going.
It is just a matter of acceptance and trying to deal with a new reality.
I am a worrier by nature anyway.
You are right to plan.
I live in Galway but the idea of meeting up with others living with secondaries sounds brilliant. I don't think anyone else really understands the fear that can grip you.
Absolutely, its terrifying as we have very little control. I would recommend you get some sort of support. You will benefit from it. I used to find I had it all going around in my head and I couldn't sleep because I was thinking and worrying about everything!
The hospital can offer support services too.
Best of luck with your next scan and do let me know how things are going!
Hi Avril,
Sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time. I also have stage 4 breast cancer. I was diagnosed in 2012. I am chemo all the time. Like you I started on taxol then had to change a few times due to different chemo not working. I'm finally on one that is working, it actually reduced the cancer a few months ago. I didn't think it was possible! I am scanned every few months to see how things are.
At the moment I'm in a good place. However earlier in the year I wasn't. Treatment wasn't working, and I was beginning to feel hopeless. I know how you feel, frightened and anxious and wishing you weren't going through all this.
There a few things that I do to help me cope. I go for regular counselling in my local cancer centre. Is there a local cancer centre near you? I attend mine regularly for complimentary therapies and counselling. They offer great support and I have met some amazing people through it. I fill my diary with things to look forward to. Ive every weekend planned for the next 6 weeks! Now I know that sometimes things can get cancelled due to me not feeling well but most of the time I feel good enough to do most things! I rest when Im tired or when I'm not feeling well. I don't push myself to do anything I know I wont be able to do. I wait until I know Im able to do it. The housework can always wait! I accept help when someone offers to do something for me. People mean well and sometimes its good to let people fell like they are helping!
The Irish Cancer Society have a support programme called living with cancer I think its called. Its a programme for secondary cancer patients. Give them a call and make an enquiry. Its in Dublin and its held over a number of weeks. I've never attended but I've heard its very good.
Have you spoken to anyone going through Stage 4 breast cancer? The cancer society also provide a service that puts people in touch with other patients going through what you are going through.
A diagnosis like stage 4 is very difficult. It took me months to get my head around it. I'm finally in a place where I've accepted my illness.
I hope my reply has helped. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
Ellie