Just over 3 years ago I was diagnosed with aggressive HER2 positive breast cancer. Half way through chemo it was discovered I had numerous small spinal mets which appeared to have responded to treatment. I was kept on Herceptin for 27 months had chemo first then mastectomy then radiotherapy. Bit of a crap time as a month after my mastectomy my ex husband left me for another woman with fake boobs! Anyway found I have awesome friends and after a rather emotionally traumatic time rebuilt my life which I enjoy. I’m a Midwife who has specialised in ultrasound so have a bit of an insight.
About 3 wks ago I started to feel a bit dizzy at times. This progressed and resulted in quite bad vomiting I put down to a bug. Got a bit better and then got worse. GP diagnosed inner ear infection but after such a lengthy time requested a scan which I had yesterday. Unfortunately I have a probable met in the cerebellum which by causing swelling and pressure is the reason for my symptoms. They’ve put me on steroids and next week I’ll be given a more defined prognosis and treatment plan. I’m rather overwhelmed by it all and wondered about the experience of others with my diagnosis. I don’t know what to expect. I’ve been told it’s prob small which they can work out once the swelling has gone down. Any words of advice experience etc would be really appreciated.
Welcome to the BCC discussion forums, where I am sure you will get lots of good, honest support from the many informed users of this site, the ladies with a secondary diagnosis have a wealth of knowledge and experience between them which I am sure they will share openly with you.
In the meantime I have put for you below the link to some of BCC’s publications you might find helpful, plus our helpline team will be only too happy to talk you through anything that is concerning you, they’re here to support you through this. Calls are free 0808 800 6000 lines open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2.
You might also find helpful our Secondary Live Chat service which runs each Tuesday evening (tonight) beetween 8.30pm and 9.30pm. This is a dedicated service for those only with a mets diagnosis, it’s hosted by a nurse who can help answer any questions and a moderator is at hand for the technical side. The only thing I would say about Live Chat at this time is that you have to access it using a laptop/desktop as it it can’t be accessed with an ipad/tablet at the moment our technology doesn’t as yet allow this. I will put you the link to Live Chat below for you to have a look at.
Hi,Sarah,sorry to hear about your progression. I haven’t had any experience so I can’t give you advice on these mets. There are ladies on here that have had successful treatment and hopefully they’ll see this thread and give you some advice on what to expect regarding treatment.
All I can do is send you massive hugs ((()))
So huge hugs coming your way,Helen xxxxxxx
Hi Sarah,
How are you getting on?
I have just been diagnosed with brain mets and start steriods and rads. Such a scary and awful time. Sending you all the best xxxx