Ibrance and Fulvestrant for Stage 4 MBC, Lung Fills w Fluid

Please don't lose hope will pray for both of us...I could not tolerate aromatase inhibitors so didn't take them and now cancer spread to lymph nodes six years later

Dear cctoo
Where are the lymph nodes? Please realize that you now have a chronic disease rather than a disease that is curable, much like Type 1 diabetes, with all the nasty symptoms. Also, please don't blame yourself for not taking the aromatase inhibitors. The cancer was not completely gone and now it's back. You are moving into a different situation but one that you have the fortitude to be able to handle. I believe this because you had the guts and the openness to tell everyone who reads this forum, about your situation.

Is it time for a second, and maybe third, opinion? Is it possible that what is seen in the lymph node biopsycis just something in that one lymph node? Is there any value in a second biopsy, reviewed by a different pathologist? A vacuum-assisted wide-needle biopsy can provide more tissue for more-thorough analysis and I know of a case where it changed a diagnosis for the better.

Thank you ..I will do that!

So sorry... I just read about Suzanne Comments book Knockout...she had NBC and refused chemo...went on alternative treatment and is cancer free...interesting to look into..I will..as just told lymph node has bc in it.....encouraging that you're going on with life and not just in bed! Like I would probably be...a friend just had fluid drained from lungs....was his heart... Not cancer.

Hi Catherine, just a word of caution about phrases like alternative treatment, cancer free and cure. Alternative medicine is unregulated and there are many charlatans out there preying upon people desparate for a cure and hope.

There are many reasons that people may choose to refuse or discontinue chemo. My father chose to discontinue chemo with stage 4 colorectal cancer. We supported his decision as his quality of life had become so limited and he didn't want to live his final time that way. It was definitely the right decision for him and for his loved ones.

Integrative or complementary medicine is increasingly accepted by cancer care teams as evidenced-based. Mayo Clinic has an Integrative Medicine and Health Deparment https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/integrative-medicine-health/sections/overview/ovc-20464567

Did I understand correctly that the result of your biopsy showed that you have breast cancer with lymph node involvment? What more do you know? Have you discussed treatment options with your cancer care team?

Not sure....found cancer in lymph node not breast but call it bc...have no team..go to oncologist tomorrow...

Good luck at your appointment with the oncologist, tomorrow. I look forward to hearing what you learn and to understand what is meant by bc.

Hello All, 5th cycle of Ibrance , also faslodex (fulvestrant ) shots / My R lung keeps filling w fluid , having the not fun drain procedure thoracentesis , at the hospital ,every week now , just to breathe . Searching for someone who has anything like this , as their reality ,and have found ZERO . I was told by oncol it's "Wait and See " situation, "see you in 3 mths" .… main side effects are huge fatigue, very short of breath ,some neutropenia , with a dose of pain and fear , to just exist 1 week at a time . PET seemed to indicate treatment is working against the stage 4 BC, but my week to week existence has me feeling it's useless postponement. So discouraging.

This sounds awful and I’m sorry you’re going through it. Have you thought of seeing a pulmonologist?
I was on Ibrance but it stopped working and am now on Afinitor. It seems like something has caused pulmonary fibrosis/ not a fluid issue but a hardening of the air sacks - can’t breath with the simplest tasks, hard to keep going. I told my onco I was going to see a pulmonologist. That type of fatigue is horrible. There’s a thread on this site you might find helpful. I’ll try and get it to you.