How do you cope with unpredictable symptoms from metastatic breast cancer treatm...

I have no “team” ??? What is that?

Welcome to the community! Managing the unpredictability of treatment side effects is one of the most challenging aspects of living with metastatic breast cancer, and many others here understand that struggle of not being able to make firm plans when symptoms can change so suddenly. Consider keeping a simple symptom diary to help identify any patterns in your better days, and don't hesitate to discuss with your care team about ways to manage the injection site reactions and other side effects that might help improve your quality of life.

Betty, welcome to our blog. Having a history of depression, my first team member was my psychologist. I had bone pain and tiredness. He put me on 90 mg of Cymbalta gradually. I couldn't get out of bed in the morning, I was so tired. After I found out I had mBC, I told him, great news I'm not depressed, I have mBC. The Cymbalta helps suppress my bone pain. 10 years, 5 months I still see him, as well as a therapist. Next, is my oncologist, I'm blessed to have her. She's been following the NCCN guidelines easily found in this app after you fill out your personal information. Educate yourself in your diagnosis. I have my PCP, she takes care of my before cancer needs. My cancer survivorship NP, takes care of getting me into any specific specialist I need to see, like sleep specialist, nephrology, gut health, physical therapy. They're all on my team and have access to all my records. My first years my girlfriend thought I was living like I was dying. I took several trips, basically checking off my bucket list. I don't regret it. I was on Ibrance and letrozole pills that I could take with me. Then, Ibrance and fluvestrant. The pain in the butt shots. It is supposed to be given very slowly 3 to 5 minutes each side. Fuss at the nurse if it hurts going in "slow down" and watch a clock with a second hand. If the nurse does it slowly it will dissipate before your next one. I'm a little long winded, but I hope this Helps you. This blog has ladies with helpful guidance. We are surviving together. Praying for you.

Thank u everything u said was me… lolol everyone thought i was just lazy and the dr i was seeing said I was a drug seeker because i asked for anxiety meds cuz i was hurting he ordered my mamo but i ordered the ultrasound for under my arm… bam stg4 mbc no cure.. Kisqali and those shots..

You're welcome. My psychiatrist has me now on a low dose of Xanax before bed for my anxiety, it was a higher dose when I started. Priority to get a psychiatrist and a therapist. Do things that make you happy and surround yourself with friends and family that lift you up. Disguard those that bring you down (you do not have to tell them even doctors). God bless you.