I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in july 22 and had a mastectomy, chemo snd radiotherapy . Just when i thoght things were getting better, the fatigue is wearing off and they finally get my medication sorted im hit with the bombshell that i have secondary cancer in my liver and the nodes in my neck are looking suspect. Im absolutely reeling and my head is all over the place. I knw its only been a few days since i found out but how do you get to a place where you can live with this x
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Good morning @tricia1919, I hope you’ve felt a little better since you posted the message. We know the challenges of receiving a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer. We have resources and info on this on our website. I found some links that may help:
Living with secondary breast cancer | Breast Cancer Now
Secondary breast cancer diagnosis | Breast Cancer Now
Secondary breast cancer in the liver (BCC36) | Breast Cancer Now
Our team of breast care nurses are here to chat anything through, if you need to be in touch. You can do this on freephone 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). You can even leave them a message without having to leave the forum, here: Latest Ask our Nurses your questions topics - Breast Cancer Now forum
You’re in a safe, supportive space here. I hope that reading other people’s experiences will be helpful to you.
Sending our warmest wishes
Bernard
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Hi, I found out last week that I now have secondaries in my liver and all I can think of is my imminent demise! I don’t know how women learn to live with this but I know that they do. I think time us key and finding the right support whatever that may be. Sending you my thoughts and a hug. X
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I know how you’re feeling but today i stated on chemo tablets and feel a bit better now there’s a plan in place . Hopefully you will have yours sorted soon. Im trying my best to push negative thoughts to the back of my mind but its hard so im going to have a talk with the secondary breast cancer nurse after new year and hope she can calm some of my fears . Good luck and let me know how yoy get on xx
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@tricia1919 and @shirleya I’m sorry to hear of your secondary diagnosis.
As someone who had bilateral primary cancers with HER2+ ER+ it’s always something that weighs on my mind.
I just wanted you wish you both the best with your treatments plans whatever they may be for you.
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It’s good to talk to the right people. I’ll be thinking about you. Keep in touch. X
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Dear Shirleya,
So sorry to hear this worrying news, would like you to know that we are all here to support you,
Take one day at a time, at the moment all very easy for me to say when you’re feeling so anxious, make notes for your team, as we seem to forget the most important questions.
Wishing you well, with health and happiness ahead.
Biggest hugs Tili 
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Dear tricia,
Thinking of you, wishing you lots of luck with your treatment. Health and happiness going forward fingers crossed for a good outcome.
We are all here for you, my brave lady.
Hugs Tili
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Hi @tricia1919 and @shirleya so sorry to hear about your current situation.
You do learn to live with it but it takes time and each of us have to deal with it within our own lives and bodies which are different.
I was diagnosed with secondaries in my spine, pelvis and liver July 2023, it was very soon after my primary which had only been diagnosed in April that year. It took my body some time to get used to the medication and settle down, and mentally a little longer. It’s still going to be a journey of ups and downs but I have found a way to live with it and find solace in the stories that are shared on here of people who are further down the road than me.
You have to take it one step at a time but there really is still a lot to live for so do try and hold on to that knowledge.
Take care xx
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Dear Cubby3,
What wise words keep going my brave lady. Wishing you health and happiness going forward
Good luck with your treatment, keep posting letting us know how you’re doing.
Hugs Tili
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Thank you for your response it was very helpful. As the days go by im having a little less of the dark thoughts and my fighting spirit is returning xx
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It’s so helpful to hear from others on the same road even though I wish we were weren’t. I’m only a week into my new treatment with fulvestrant and palbociclib. May our treatments work well for a long time to come. Keep in touch ladies. X
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That is so true . Hope you enjoy new year .
Best wishes x
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@shirleya @tricia1919
Just to give some hope. I have a different breast cancer (TNBC) which I learned had spread to my liver in September 2022. Initially I was devastated, couldn’t think of anything else. Eventually I settled and it isn’t first thing I think of any more. More importantly I achieved remission through treatment and for now have stayed there.
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So pleased for you and thanks for the positive words. X
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This is wonderful to hear and gives me hope for thevsame outcome to treatment. Thank you x
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I’m so sorry you find yourself here.
I was diagnosed de novo in June 2020. I’ve been on palbociclib since December 2020 and haven’t had any growth since diagnosed. I find the mental side the most challenging and do as much as I can to help myself. I hope you find some peace really soon and settle into a routine with it all. It does take time, but please post with anything we might be able to help with. Sending love.x
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I was diagnosed last year May with metastatic right BC that had spread to lymph nodes, spine and pelvic bones. I was on tamoxifen till all the diagnosis was complete and till I had both the ovaries removed. Since July last year I am on Ribociclib and letrozol, which I take after dinner. Every 28 days I had zoledronic acid for the first 6 mo and then every 3 mo. Also CEA and CA 15.3 markers were reducing untill Dec 24. Also felt the tumor becoming soft. Had fatigue and hot flush as the side effecfts. Since Jan 25, started to have severe hair loss. On March the markers started to increase and doctor advised to repeat the markers again. They increased again and so was advised a PET SCAN. I am currently on 10th cycle of the drugs. Now I have extreme fatigue, back pain, muscle stiffness. The PET SCAN results came today. The original tumor size has reduced in the breast, lymph and bones but new lesions are found in liver, collar bone, chest and abdomen. Likely the drugs are not working anymore. Anyone went through similar situation. I am thinking of having a second opinion after I visit my oncologist. Not sure if chemo is the next step. Trying to stay positive but always thinking of my family. I am 38 and husband is supportive. We have a sweet 6yo daughter.
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Dear I-will-fight, what a journey you have been through, and you’re so young.
I’m not medically trained to give you any advice, however maybe a second opinion would help, which you are entitled to, be open with your team explaining how you are feeling. I do hope you get some answers very soon.
Hopefully a happy Easter with your husband and your sweet little girl, wishing you well, please come back and let us know how you’re getting on.
I’m so sorry I can’t be more helpful, thinking of you. With the biggest hugs.
Tili
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Thank you for the kind words and for responding to my post. I will be seeing my oncologist on 30 April. I can literally visualize his face checking on my reports. Meanwhile, I am doing some blood tests from my end like liver function test (I did in March and all was fine, but want to reassure), estradiol level, markers (although I know they will shoot up). After the visit with my oncologist will go for the second opinion. I had stopped taking any form of sugar and reduced carb intake. I try to eat as much veggies and fruits as possible. I drink tender coconut water 5-6 days a week and to balance the effect of the drugs on my blood count, I drink papaya leaf juice every morning. My blood counts have been fine till now. I also take raw turmeric 4-5 days a week. Today I started yoga and meditation to deal with fatigue, shoulder and back pain. I am trying as much possible from my end. The rest is on HIS hands. Hugs to all the beautiful warriors in this forum. 
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