Hi im new to this site and looking for some support. I have read through some of these post and have been uplifted.I am 45yrs old and was diagnosed in may16 with IDC two lumps removed with immediate therapeutic mammoplasty.Went for results of op to be told no clear margins and both tumours were bigger than first thought and out of 5 nodes i had a speck in one. due to this i was given bone scan& ct scan then second op for clear margins. results of second op were clear margins and clear bone scan but ct scan showed something in the sacrum,then i had mri scan and they were still not sure so a pet scan followed. went to see oncologist for results to be told that i have secondary breast cancer a single 2cm spot in the sacrum but the rest of the body was clear at moment. it has left me and hubby blown away not to mention my 3 kids 14,12,& 9 . I have been put on tamoxifen because er+ and my oncologist is going to find out where i can have targeted rads. I will also have monthly injections of denosumab,no chemo yet.I was wondering if anybody else has started with one single met in this area. we are terrifed about the future and would love some support.
sarahx
Hi sharon
So sorry to hear you have progression and also that I can't remember if you already had liver mets or whether your bone mets have now spread to the liver. My bone mets spread to my liver after 5 years on hormone treatment. I insisted on a liver biopsy, having read on this forum about receptor status changes. I'm glad I did as my HER2 status showed as having changed from nearly 10 years of being negative to now being positive. This has given me different treatments available which I wouldn't have been able to if I hadn't had the biopsy done. I would suggest that you contact your oncologists secretary saying that you need an appointment earlier than the scheduled one on 16th as its too long to wait for a change in treatment as far as you're concerned. I know it's holiday season and that all the consultants in our hospital seem to take August off (grrrrrrrr!) but hopefully your appointment can be moved forward. Ask if a biopsy can be done.
If however you have had one done already I'm assuming it wouldn't have been too long ago therefore the results would probably be the same as current in terms of receptor status. In either case your oncologist should be able to put you onto another type of chemo, having seen from your postings that the hormone treatment hasn't been effective. Also it may be worth asking for a second opinion and travel to the nearest specialist cancer hospital. I'm in the south so I have been to The Marsden twice for second opinions but I know of The Christie further north and think that Sheffield has a specialist centre if you are closer to there. Your oncologist won't like it (mine was very huffy about it!) but you are entitled to it and it could open up other treatment options or even being considered for a trial of newer drugs or combination of drugs that aren't available locally.
Hope some of this info helps and sending lots of hugs your way as its a bummer when we get progression.
Nicky x
Hi Sharon, sorry to hear about your results, can't really offer any advice on liver mets though. I know it's a few weeks off until you see your onc (which is rubbish!!) I'm the same I usually have to wait around 4 wks it's ridiculous! But I would think he/she will have a treatment plan ready for you to start on.
Stay strong sending you a big fat cyber ((((hug))))
Janette xxxx
OH Sharon, It's so scary and disappointing when there is progression. I would think you should have more treatments, after reading your list! Hang in there and give your oncologist a call if you are worried. You shouldn't have to wait. Hugs! FF
Hi Sharon, so sorry to hear your news. I wonder when your last status check was. Is there a possibility your cancer type has changed. If you haven't had it done for a while an option might be to ask for another biopsy to see as if it has changed the chemos won't make any difference.
much love to you xxx
Rainy, hot, and humid here! I think I'm ready for Autumn as long as it starts early and goes into winter. Not a fan of winter! Need to get out of here today! Going crazy! FF
Well, if it means you are happy Carolyn, I am happy to accept the blame!
Hugs.
Barton.x
Hallo Artygirl Even with all the technology available it seems there can always be uncertainty. I had a bone biopsy taken from my pelvis last autumn and was already on exemestane because of what was probably my problem. But then in June my onc just happened to mention that the biopsy results had not been all that conclusive. An MRI scan showed I also have something in my skull and a tumour in a really inaccesible place below my brain which might be bc or something else but they can't tell because a biopsy would be too invasive. So we live with uncertainty. Anyway I went to the Port Eliot festival in Cornwall this weekend and had a great time
Well done Carolyn, on several fronts: a.drinking a lot (really good for you!) and, b.buying new patio furniture (although I thought yours was lovely anyway), oh, and c.getting up late! A woman after my own heart!
Hugs. Barton.x
PS if hubs is fed-up of putting flat pack together, I can give you the names of two different people who would do a good job for you.
Oh Carolyn, what are you like! Put the dog in the kitchen overnight, or the sitting room! You spoil him! Hope you get a better night tonight, or have had an afternoon nap.
Hugs, Barton.x
Artygirl, I hope they figure it out soon. Did they biopsy it? I can remember when they biopsied my lung there was some confusion. They had to send it out for more staining, and it took a couple weeks. Good luck! FF
Stresshead, I'm OK! Just that bone met added to the confusion of why are my legs weak. I'm off prednisone now, so if that was part of the problem it's gone. If it's because of my knees and inactivity, I've begun some physical therapy to combat it. If it's the chemo, hoping the therapy combat that too. Hoping to see a difference in strength in a few weeks. My energy is less without the steroid, but again counting on time and exercise to help that! Maybe no steroids and exercise will help the weight too!
Bad day at work yesterday! Thankful it's Saturday! I work at a senior center. The senior center is a place for seniors to come hang out. It is open 9-3 MTWTF. There is fine art class, exercise, yoga, ti chi, dancing, bingo, poker, entertainment, etc. It Is always busy. Most of them are very sweet and lovely, but a few can be real pips! Enjoy your weekend ladies. I'm working on some ideas for a pirate murder mystery for the center!
Wow Julz you are quite energetic! That's a lot of walking! You should be proud! FF
Fantastic news Janette! I stayed at stable for many years! Long may it continue! FF
I love the Lake District Julzd - spent a couple of weeks in Ambleside a couple of years ago - the scenery and walks are stunning aren't they?
Happy weekends to everyone - may they be pain and worry free xxx