Next month, I mark 43 years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I’m in California. It’s has been a cool summer so far😀

Personally, I’d be thankful to be watched this carefully at this point. Every journey is different, but you don’t want to rush - sounds like you are in good hands.

Boy did I need to hear this today. I’m headed into a full on depression lately. It is a hard rd to travel and easy to get discouraged. Thank you!

So pleased to hear of your long stretch of survivorship. I was at 33 years last summer when I was diagnosed with a recurrence. This time I elected a mastectomy of my right breast with follow up of letrozole and zometa infusion. I'm coming up on a mammogram for the left breast and am extremely nervous. My insurance provides an oncology social worker who has been a great support through all the twists and turns this time around.

May I inquire as to your original diagnosis?

May I ask what type of BC you had?

I am 25 years post diagnosis of Stage 3B Pleomorphic Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (PILC).
Last October I was rediagnosed as Stage 4 w/mets to my spine and pelvis. The lesions had been there for at least two years and were initially diagnosed as "degenerative"..."You're getting old".
I do not have pain (no meds needed). I have normal blood work, no cancer symptoms.
Stay positive and do not waste today worrying about tomorrow or yesterday. Feed your body not your cancer. Exercise, hydrate and get good sleep. These all matter!
You can do this!!!

@susansh Great that you had 25 good years!
You said normal blood work. Did you have Signatera blood tests?

I had colon cancer in 2016, breast cancer 2020, another breast cancer 2024.
All small and treatable. My mother had two cancers and died at 77 of colon cancer. I am in Ottawa and was offered genetic testing. I did it and had alarming results. One of my genes is a pathogenic mutation called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. Cancer risk is high - 70% lifetime risk for men and 90% for women. Siblings and children have a 50% risk of having this mutation, so I urge my family to get tested. With this syndrome, a number of tests are suggested, including whole body MRI as well as brain. Radiation is discouraged (unless really needed) but I need mammos. I plan to do what I can and be aware.

@llthomson
Yes, I did and do still have the tests. They show + ctDNA - most likely due to the mets to the bones. BUT, once again, I have zero (0) bone pain and some of the lesions are 4 to 5 cm in my spine and pelvis. I do not feel ill and bloodwork is perfect.

The Altera Tumor Genomic Alterations test showed only one possible genomic target BUT the report states that there are "NO FDA approved drugs for patient's cancer," "NO FDA approved drugs for other cancers [with this alteration]," and "ZERO Drugs Predicted Non-Beneficial" (but I am allergic to previously offered drugs). There is one possible clinical trial but I do not qualify.

There are other DNA amplifications noted w/"prognosis poor" and NO FDA approved Drugs as well as stating that AIs and Immunotherapy would not be beneficial.

It is a good thing that I live by,
"Sticks and stones may break my bones...but words will never hurt me!"
I feel and look so healthy that you would not be able to pick me out of a crowd as a person who has Stage 4 cancer.

I say to you - Chin up, learn, research, take care of yourself/body/mind/spirit and do not let words or predictions rule you!
Keep putting one foot in front of the other and put the diagnosis at the back of your mind so it does not interrupt all of the good things that you will do today. You have so much love and life inside of you... and so much to share!
Not one person on this Earth is guaranteed tomorrow.....do not waste today!
Be strong....be a tiger.....ROAR because today is YOUR day!!!
Get out there and You do YOU!!! 🙂
Much love to you, my friend!