My Stage 4 Breast Cancer Journey: Progress and Treatment

Janet, I'm guessing that this is the first time you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, for you it is stage 4 because it was in your shoulder and liver. TCHP is usually used for early breast cancer. Good news is it is working very well. Many MBC patients, like me, had BC years ago (mine in 2002). I had mammograms every year since then. Thought I was cured. I went to the ER in 2016 because I had pancreatitis. Oh, by the way, I also have MBC in most of my bones. A lot of new drugs have become available since 2002 helping us live longer with good quality of life. This website is very helpful for navigating your own personal journey. Please feel free to ask me any questions or comments.

I know we not supposed to give up or get Discouraged but trying to learn and fit in this is depressing and frustrating cause all doctors aren’t the same

Iranica, I believe you are still reeling from the recent new diagnosis. I was 8 years ago. Unknowing, I thought my exhaustion was from depression. So I was going to my psychiatrist, he was upping my Cynbalta to 90 mg. I had an appointment with him a week after my MBC diagnosis. "Good news, I'm not depressed. Bad news, I have MBC." So, I'm still on Cynbalta 90 mg, it helps with bone pain, too. Please seek out a psychiatrist to help you navigate this life changing diagnosis. This site has wonderful educational segments. I filled out all my personal information and had medical records sent in. The treatment options are spot on per the NCCN recommendations and my oncologist. Hang in there, try to stay positive, I care, Ginny

Virginia yes 1st time any cancer. I'm still in shock.

Janet, I think you may benefit with a psychiatrist. Your journey will probably be a long one, like mine. I also belong to a local BC support group. They are wonderful ladies. If I have any needs that my 2 kids can't help me with, I can call on them. They will be there for me. The meds I take now let me live a good life. There have been side effects that are manageable. I seek joy everyday. Smile alot. Thankful for every day. I know staying positive has extended my life. I, over 5 years, have taken care of business, too. I have a medical directive, will, prepaid funeral and burial. I do not have a DNR. (I'm not ready for that.) My kids won't have to make any big decisions if I pass, which I should have done before I got sick. Janet, you are going to be okay. I care, Ginny

I was diagnosed in October of 2020 with stage 4 MBC. it's in my bones, left breast, liver and lungs. I had a strong chemo for the first 18 mo. It had very bad effects. I then started enhurtu. It was working great until it wasn't. While the numbers in my breast and bones, I increased slightly in my liver with a new spot. I just started Kadcya. I'm praying it works. I did not have a mastectomy since the tumor was in the chest wall. I give God the credit for feeling so good.

Welcome to the community! The response to treatment sounds incredibly encouraging, and it's wonderful that the medical team is seeing such positive results on the scans. Many people here have experience with different treatment combinations, and TCHP is a well-established protocol that combines targeted therapies with chemotherapy. Wishing continued progress with the upcoming scan, and hoping others in the community can share their experiences and support along this journey.