Breast cancer with bone mets: Reduced treatment & living life

Sorry you’re going through advanced cancer. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer the first time, a colleague who had just gone through it told me this: it will be an interesting journey. There will be people you think are close that will walk away, but there will also be people you hardly know that will step up to help you in a big way. She was exactly right. It reveals the character of the people around us. Hang in there are focus on those who have stuck with you. 🙏❤️ oh, and yes, that contrast is gross.

@californiazebra thank you so much for your response. I truly appreciate it.
The journey is hard but, it’s my life now and I intend to live it fully. I would love to find an active support group that are going through the same thing it would be nice to support others on the difficult days and celebrate the good days.

@mschoofs
Good attitude. Maybe a moderator here can help you find a local in-person support group. See if the hospital that treats you has a local group. Although I don’t attend, a hospital near me does host support groups. 🙏

I would like to connect with you somehow and have a conversation. I to was told I have stage four and I have it in my spine. I had emergency spine surgery and now they want to do radiation to my spine worried about my esophagus & aorta valve cause of area they want to radiate that’s what I wanted to talk to you because you said you had radiation to the spine. can we connect on a personal message and talk by phone?

Dearest Meg,
Your courage on your path is remarkable. Yes, you are not alone! Never think that.
Anyone who will read your post will have you in their prayers. And in their hearts, as you are now in mine.
Not knowing if you are spiritual, religious or have faith in the universe, I would humbly suggest Buddhist readings now. Perhaps (& we are all different) you will find great comfort in their philosophy (it's not a religion) as you travel on your journey now. Go inward. Find your peace. And live in the moment! That's all anyone of us has. Moment to moment. And find the little joys in life and when you do, hold on tight and savor. Cherish the people who step up for you - let all others go. We are all only human after all - imperfect. And reach out personally to mawmaws - my sense is you will find a kindred spirit in her.
Sending you positive energy, prayers and strength.
God Bless.

@mawmaws, did you start radiation to your spine? Did you share your concerns about its possible effects to the esophagus and heart?

@mschoofs, you might also be interested in this related discussion:
- Going my way: Decided to stop cancer treatments https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/going-my-way/

@mschoofs, how are you doing? What brings you joy?

@colleenyoung I have not started radiation. I’ve been waiting for the radiologist to get back with me to answer my questions about the organs that I am concerned about I don’t know if it’s not meant for me to have it at this place or what because I’ve left a couple messages and he hasn’t return my call have an appointment online with the doctor next week

@mawmaws The radiologist I saw said he wants to see how I do with the medication first. He felt that most of my pain was more of a side effect from my drugs than the cancer. Moreover, the potential of damage to my esophagus was not worth doing radiation at this time.

I was afraid to reach out to neighbors. When I did, I was surprised at the kindness but remained cautious of how i spoke about the diagnose.

@denisedm2026 when was your diagnosed with cancer and was it breast cancer and what kind of medication’s have you tried? Unfortunately, I’m not able to do the chemo pills or anything like that.