Metastatic breast cancer: Anyone else?

I was recently diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. I was wall set for surgery and then a PET scan revealed some metastasis on some bones (3 spots). All of this stated on June 5th. I am scared to death. I meet with my oncologist for the first time today, I believe I am beginning chemo today, but I am unsure. I am only 41 and I have a 4 and 3 year old. I have no idea what to expect, anyone been through this? Is it possible to over come this?

Hi, Nancy. I am 69 and on the same drugs (iBrance, letrozole, Xgeva injections) as you are for a year now. (I also had whole brain radiation for MBC to the brain in addition to spine and pelvic.) The iBrance has made things "stable" for now so hoping for the best for now. I had Stage II breast cancer and all the treatment that goes with that 18 years ago and was fine until MBC diagnosis last year, which includes anemia, causing me to feel weak and tired much of the time.

Hi @nancy2952 i have been on that exact mix since november 2017. For me totally doable. Lots aches, but stretching helps. I have insomnia too, but sleep meds also really help - either ambien or melatonin. I was diagnosed with BC june 2016, chemo, radiation, surgery. October 2017 saw it metastasized to my spine. Holding study since starting this mix of meds. I am 39 ueras old.

I have had metastatic breast cancer (MBC) for almost 5 years. I have not had chemo but am on medications to block the spread of the MBC to other parts of my body and/or organs. I have done really well on the MBC medications. (Very few side effects). There are lots of advances being made all the time. If you get placed on Ibrance and/or Faslodex, there is a great website with bloggers who have lots of experience with those drugs. (breasecancer.org) (I am currently on Ibrnce and Faslodex). I have been on Xgeva for 5 years which strengtens the bones. I am sure you are scared particularly with a young family but be assured you are not alone on this journey. Positive prayers and thoughts coming your way and lighting your path.

Welcome to Connect, @nikki727
I can imagine that you are scared. There must be so many questions racing through your mind, especially with young children to think about. There are many women here ready to share their experiences with you, many of whom are living with metastatic breast cancer.

How did your appointment with the oncologist go? Did you start chemo? What kind?
Hope to hear from you.

The meeting went well, considering the topic. I did not start chemo, I am getting some more lymph nodes biopsied near my trachea on Friday. If it is the same type of cancer I will start on treatment July 6th. The treatment will be a shot and a pill. Faslodex and Abemaciclib. I am meeting with a genetic counselor tomorrow for a genetic panel and then the Dr. mentioned giving me shots to start menopause. If that doesn't work, then we will discuss removing my ovaries. Right now I am just hoping it is the same kind of cancer. The odds are slim that it is a different type, but it can happen.

Thank you, as soon as I heard "Stage 4" I had myself pretty much gone already.

You are right. Stage IV is the top number. However, metastatic breast cancer is always designated as Stage IV. There have been so many advances. It is not considered "curable" but it is controllable. Stay positive - get a good up-to-date oncologist - and pay attention to what your body is telling you. Keep a close eye on how you feel and do not hesitate to call your oncologist about even issues you might think are minor. I am in a support group and we have ladies in the group who have survived cancer for many years (10 to 15 plus). I also think the survival rates you read on the internet are old and do not reflect the current rates so I do not put much importance in them. Actually the survival rate that's important is yours!! Keep your chin up, be positive and spend as much quality time as you can with friends and family. I do not spend time with negative people - don't need them in the clan. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

Thank you so much, that is good to hear from someone else.

I have only been on the Ibrance for 21 days. After the week off my blood work showed that my white cells were low. And my doctor told me to stop for a week. I have been feeling OK. Only side effect so far is my hair has been falling out.