Stage IV Breast Cancer Question?

Question

I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago and very soon after we discovered that I had bone mets. I've been taking chemo and zometta for the mets, but this past spring, the latest scan revealed that it had gone to my liver, more bone (different part of body), and a lymph node in my chest cavity. I started chemo again and we did another scan - the good news, the lymph node is clear, but the bones and liver remain unchanged.

So my question is, how do I remain optimistic when everything I am reading about liver mets seems so negative. I know I will never be cured, but being NED would be very nice. I guess I just need some encouragement today. Thank-you to everyone who takes the time to answer my question!

Jen

Answer 1

I cannot give you a SPECIFIC answer -- WHAT I can do is give you my experience with CANCER in 2005 at the age of 52 -- I had stage 2 BREAST CANCER -- WHEN the tumor was removed all of the margins were CLEAR. I also had to have something like 33 lymph nodes removed -- they were all CLEAR. I had both chemo & radiation -- lost all my hair -- but that was o.k. it was summertime.
IN the beginning I was given so much information -- the bad part was I started reading all of that literature & was realizing all of the side affects and that got so depressing. So I put all of that STUFFaway in a closet -- and never looked at it again. To this day. AS time wore on I did become depressed & had to seek help -- I am doing fine now.
YOU JUST HAVE TO TRUST IN GOD -- HE WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU . I WILL KEEP YOU IN MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS -- GOD LOVES YOU !!!!

HAVING gone through this I know it is hard to keep your spirits up -- but you have to try real hard.

SINCERELY,
JOAN

Answer 2

My heart goes out to you! I feel so sorry for you, but I know at this time you probably don't want comfort or consoling, so what you have to do, is just first, DON'T WATCH ANY MEDICAL SHOWS!!! They freak people out, and most of this isn't true. Don't read anything about your problem on the Internet, that will make you even more upset. It's great news that your lymph nods are clean! You can always try for a bone marrow and liver transplant, although you might not find a match, although you might! Live each day like it is your last, which won't happen for a long time because you ARE going to get through this!!!!!!!! You seem like a very nice person... and you need to keep telling yourself that you are healthy and you are going to kick this cancer's butt! Tell yourself that at least once a day, even if it is hard, the mind is a very powerful thing! If you have the will for life, then you will succeed... I will include you in my prayers...

All the best,
Hilary S. ;-)

Answer 3

Well . . cancer is becomming more and more a chronic disease. If your tumors are not progressing than that is positive, so maybe what you need to do is concentrate on finding the right combination of meds to control the disease. If you've had cancer for two years you know how rapidly things can change about the disease. I don't know if you are considering a Clinical Trial or if you still have other options you are pursuing, but it seems that breast cancer patients have so many options! But, of course that's just from my perspective. I am dealing with a teenager who has stage IV abdominal sarcoma (desmoplastic ). He has stable but inoperable disease in the pelvic area and up near the liver. We decided to not pursue surgery at this time but to look for a drug to keep the tumors stable and in effect keep his cancer as a chronic disease while we wait for medical research to catch up with us. Of course there is no guarantee about any of this, but for now its working.

Stay focused and positive. Do as much research as you can handle or ask someone close to you to help you do it.

It might also help to contact Breast Cancer support groups. They can be an excellent source of information about what is going on for the latest types of treatment. I'll leave you with an ACOR mailing list. They are a wonderful support , they understand what you are going through, and they may be able to come up with something that you havn't considered yet. Give it a try:

Breast Cancer Electronic Support Group
http://listserv.acor.org/archives/brca.html

Best to you. There is always hope!

Answer 4

I'm sure thinking of you. I also am dealing with Stage IV Breast Cancer. I have been listening to these CD's by a physician, Emmett Miller who talks about taking control by the way we think. I have felt so out of control that this has helped me out a lot. Have you ever gone to a group for support? That works for some people.

Answer 5

The good news is that the liver lesion is unchanged!!!This means something stopped the progression.Hang in there!!!

Answer 6

Your mind is very powerful,dear. Be optimistic,every morning close your eyes and see yourself in perfect health,try to feel this in every cell of your body.
Please this is very important, eat healthy, lots of carrot juice that clean the blood of toxic waste, breath in the fresh air feeling that every breath clean your cells and be very positive. Don't discuss anything, you have to be positive.
My heart is with you honey and i will ask to God good health for you.
Wish you the best.

Answer 7

i have a different form of invasive cancer.i found a great website built and staffed by people with different conditions. it is a very freindly site with people who will support and share their stories,including people in your specific situation. it is at www.careplace.com. browse thru the groups to find the two that fit your need. best wishes and prayers to you.

Answer 8

seriously - just think you'll get through it! Now I ain't gonna mention any names or specifics because of karma but a - relative had quite a lot of shall we say 'bad things' happen to them and they are now perfectly well - trust me you'll get through it! Oh yeah one more thing - live life, love life!!!

GOOD LUCK =D