I’ve been a lurker on this forum for quite some time and have finally plucked up the courage to say “hello”.
I was diagnosed and treated in 2018 at the age of 50 for stage 2 ER + cancer but sadly have just found out that I have metastatic spread to my bones… sternum, ribs, pelvis, both femur and left humerus. After a long 3 months since I became unwell again I will be starting treatment on the 10th.
I’m just looking to share experiences and to give and receive support from others going through the same. I feel as if my world has just been turned upside down and my future uncertain. I work as a nurse and going back to work looks unlikely.
I’m looking forward to getting to know some of you and to getting some advice on how to cope with the treatments. Thanks in advance.
Hi @dundeelass welcome to the forum. I’m so sorry that this has happened but you’ll find lots of support here. You may wish to also post here Living with secondary breast cancer - Breast Cancer Now forum as you’ll have direct access to people who can offer advice and support particularly around the wealth of treatments now available to those with a secondary diagnosis. Breast Cancer Now also offers the Someone Like Me support programme which you can find out more about here Someone Like Me | Breast Cancer Now in which you can have a more personal one-to-one relationship with someone who has been where you are now as you navigate your new circumstances. You can also speak to one of the nurses on the phone on 0808 800 6000. They won’t rush you and you don’t need to have a question if you just need a chat. They are available now until 1pm or between 9.00-16.00 Mondays to Fridays. My advice is to use all of the support mechanisms available to help you process the changes to your life. Big hugs to you.
Thank you so much. I have so many thoughts swimming around in my head just now. Goid to know there’s so much support available.
Hi, im sorry to hear your news, and can empathise a lot with how you are feeling. I was 54 when i was diagnosed with lobular bc in 2017. In May last year i was diagnosed with secondary spread to my bones in a few different areas. After months of nerve pain an mri scan showed a small tumor on my spine that was the cause of my pain. I was fast tracked for a week of radiotherapy and targeted hormone therapy the week after. I was then also started on abemaciclib 150mg twice daily. After a few months the Diahorrea side effect kicked in and became more frequent and i was taken off for a month and started again on a lower dose. Instead of 100mg however i was put on the 50mg and im feeling much better on it. My oncologist says this does not affect the efficacy of the treatment. Im keeping well and would say the only side effect is i feel a bit more tired than before i was diagnosed. I decided to retire as my job in social care was too .much. i am trying to keep positive and .manage most of the time. Down days are normal i think. I would be interested to know what treatment you are started on. Keep in touch…wishing you the best. X
Hi sorry to hear this.thankfully you’re now getting the required medication which I hope help you feel better. It’s always a constant worry for us all. I was diagnosed with stage 2 lobular bc with activity in 1/4 nodes nearly four years ago. I had a lumpectomy and after an Onco type test I was given three weeks of radiotherapy . I’m on Letrozole and took ibadronic acid daily for three years which I’ve just finished. I’m constantly getting niggling aches and pains and constantly worrying about the cancer spreading. I’m experiencing on and off lower neck pain which radiates down my upper/ mid back And with occasional tingling in my arms. I saw a physio a few months ago who said it was a pinched nerve and gave me done exercises to do which did help but it has come back. I’m now worried it could be something more sinister. How were your symptoms?
Hi irene i suddenly developed pain in my pelvis and hip spreading into my groin. Gp said sounded like sciatica but i was never convinced. Tried different medication for nerve pain and finally pregabalin and tramadol helped a bit. Gp referred me to ortho and consultant said it sounded like femoral nerve pain as it was the front of my leg that was affected. It was he that advised an mri was needed to confirm what was causing the pain. As you say its a constant worry. Xx