Seeking Encouragement After Breast Cancer Recurrence

I’m so sorry Zizi. I’m newly diagnosed but I do know there are many changes to meds and treatment plans since 2018. Fortunately people are living longer with metastatic disease and that’s what I hope and pray for myself and you. This is a great site to get info and encouragement. Sending blessings your way❣️

Thank you Peggy, thank you for your encouragement, Truly no one knows what this is like unless one has gone through this themselves. Thank you for your words of encouragement. Have you started treatment? I am so anxious about what it will be.

Yes I have. I’m on kisqali and letrozole. For about 4 months. I had2 small lesions on my spine with I had 3 radiation treatments and I also get zometa infusions every 3 months. My tumors are shrinking in my back and the right breast. I’m having a mastectomy in a few weeks just right side. My oncologist is very pleased with my response.

I am so happy for you and glad that your tumors are responding to treatments. I get my PET Scan results back this Monday to find out where else besides my clavicle lymphatic node my cancer has spread.

It’s hard to wait that long, No doubt. Sending good energy and prayers your way❤️❤️❤️

Hello I am new here as well I would like to find alternatives to help to restore my my cells loosing in my medical team Any advice ?

Hi All I was diagnosed with Stage 4 in January 23. My cancer had spread to the liver and bones. I started treatment in February 23. Taking Verzenio and anastrozole. Zometa infusions monthly. Was diagnosed in remission in November...praise God. Still on treatment but bloodwrk every 6 weeks and zometa every 3 months. Bone and CT scans coming up May 3rd to check progress and to see if treatment is still working its magic. Prayers for a good report and for all of you.

So many new treatment options are available now. When one stops working, they can try a new one. Insurance has denied my scans a few times, but my Dr. Fights for them and has them done anyway. My team is through a Hillman Cancer Center, and they are great! KEEP THE FAITH AND STAY STRONG...PRAYERS TO YOU.

I was originally diagnosed in 2015. In January of 2023, I learned my original cancer had returned to the pleura of my lung. I was started on letrozole and Ibrance. After 7 months, I was no evidence of disease.

Update: thanks everyone, I just completed a month on Kisqali/ Faslodex. I don’t get scans until July/ August praying that the medicine works. I continue to keep the faith.

Zina, stay positive and strong. I started Kisqali (600mg) and Letrozole (2.5mg) and Xgeva shots every 28 day in July of 2023 and 6 months later, my PT/CT scan revealed that all the cancer was gone. This is called no evidence of active disease ( NEAD). It’s my understanding, this is the best we can hope for. I continue to take the exact same meds and most likely will do so indefinitely. My breast cancer was invasive lobular breast cancer, stage four de novo, grade 2, ER+ (90%), PR-, HER2-, KI-67 was 50%. My primary tumor was 8cm in my left breast. I think I had three swollen lymph nodes and two or three small metastasic sites on my hips. As you can see, I had some serious cancer and Kisqali took care of it completely. My oncologist called it a complete response. Will it come back? I don’t know. That is why I have to stay on this medication the rest of my life. Yes, it sucks but I tolerate the meds pretty well. I have terrible insomnia and joint pain when I don’t exercise enough. You must exercise. Exercise like crazy! I promise you it will help. I started playing pickle ball in February of 2024 and it has helped tremendously. I wish I would have been playing this whole time bc it has helped so much with joint pain and mental health. May you also achieve NEAD and quickly!

Welcome to this supportive community where many members understand the challenges of navigating a metastatic diagnosis and the frustrations that can come with insurance delays. While waiting for treatment plans can feel overwhelming, this community is filled with people who have walked similar paths and are here to offer support, share experiences, and remind you that you're not alone in this journey.