Hello im new to this group, im due to see the oncolgist tomorrow morning. Ive got secondary cancer in the sternum. I was left in total shock 4 weeks ago when i got the news. Its been 2 years since my first diagnosis. I dont have a clue what questions i should ask or treatment i might be getting.
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marchelle, sorry you find yourself on here, hopefully one of the forum members who has had a secondary diagnosis will be able to let you know of questions you might need to ask, the other option if you have time is to ring the number on here and speak to a nurse, the will also be able to support and guide you keep reaching out on here there is the ask the nurse section on the forum and also the someone like me option do keep reaching out, you are never alone with bcn bcn is here for you and everyone in the forum will reach out too 
Shi xx
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Hi there. I’m sorry to hear your news . I got my secondary in the spine diagnosed about 2 months ago and know the feeling. What have you been told so far? Is it the only site you have secondary? There is hope and lots of it trust me. I am on multiple treatments with the hope of a “curative” one on the horizon . Ask if it’s the only site and If you are suitable for steriotactic radiotherapy. Let me know what your Onco says- it’s very much treatable xx
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Hi @marchelle
I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It is no surprise you are in shock.
I can’t really add to what @Shi and @alice1 have said, but please do know that the forum is here for you, as are our nurses - either on the Ask our Nurses your questions part of the forum or on 0808 800 6000.
Sending our love,
Lucy
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Hi,
Sorry that you are in the same situation as me, and understand your concerns about questions to ask.
I got my diagnosis 11 months ago, absolutely gutted as felt really well. Initially thought i had a local recurrence (which was shock enough given original primary prognosis) CT showed the bone mets.
Treatment will depend on the type of cancer, ER, PR, Her same as primary and also what drugs you have already received.
11 months on and for me the only change (now the emotional rollercoaster has calmed down) is a monthly hospital appointment and 4 month CT scan.
My treatment is working well and i’m hoping it proves effective for some time.
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Hi Alice i was informed non curable and that was pretty much that! I went up today and i must say things were much more positive. They needed bloods and are arranging a biopsy to see if the cancer is the same. Dr thinks its pretty soon from first cancer, so may be a different type. They have talked about a couple of tablets and she mentioned the radiotherapy that you quoted but said shed like to hold that for last resorts.
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Hello thank you for taking the time to reply. Im at the stage now where we are finding out type of cancer and getting a plan in place. Dr did say id be seen every few months, which has put my mind at rest. Its just getting on with life now.
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Hi,
If its hormone receptive then you’ll be like me tablets, regular CT scan and appointment with oncologist.
Sorting out holidays around appointment.
I still go yo the gym and travel as normal. A bit more planning and packing but otherwise fine.
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The last one was hormone. So im guessing it may be the same. Ive a holiday booked for October but at the min i cant get travel insurance 
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Hey M, glad you’re more positive. While I know we are not “curable” the stereotactic can be “curative” so can blast it away! Well, that’s my understanding. I’m on injections to my butt, one to my tummy and tablets. The stereotactic would be a brilliant bonus according to my Onc. Deff worth pursuing with him/her. My onc wants it asap. Travel insurance is a pain! I’m supposed to be going to Greece in October. 
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I’ve got secondary cancer its in my hips bottom of spine, a bit further up, in my ribs and shoulder more or less all my bones. I know exactly how you feel 
i feel like a sitting duck. Nothing they can do…just waiting. I’m struggling some days to deal with it all as im still new just finished first 6mths of chemo and waiting for radiotherapy again for my pain. Wish i knew what to say to u to help. Sending you hugs and hope xx
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Aww im so sorry! Its absolutely horrible livng with this. Its the daily topic every day. I feel lucky ive one area but its like russian roulette every time you get a test done. The pain i suffer is awful so my sympathy to you wih all those areas. Take great care and lets live
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Hello Marchelle
Sorry to hear of your secondary diagnosis. I know how scary it is as my secondary BC was diagnosed in Feb 22 following my primary BC in 2019.
It took me a year or so to come to terms with it!
My tips are:
- Be kind to yourself and get all the support you can.
- Focus on only those things that matter and ignore anything else!
- The Breast Cancer Now online meetings helped me the most as I met women who’ve been treated for Secondary BC for 5+ years.
Hope this helps, you’re not alone.
Best wishes, Lisa G
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Hi Marchelle
I am so sorry you are going through all that. If you do manage to get away this link might help you with finding insurance.
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I can empathise with your shock . I was diagnosed in April with spread to sacrum , ribs , spine two years after mastectomy.
I had 5 days of radiotherapy to my sacrum and am now on targeted therapy .
I’m sure your oncologist will advise on the best treatment for you . There seems to be a good amount of help now available for metastatic breast cancer .
Do keep sharing and also persist with your oncology team if you feel you want to get an extra appointment with them or more info etc .
I found the Macmillan support workers very helpful in my initial shock.
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