A 77-Year-Old's Journey with Advanced Breast Cancer

Hello Patricia I too have MBC and mist if the times I feel great and not like someone with Stage IV cancer. Thanks to modern medicine, I'm still alive and wiggling, lol. I'm too blessed with 3 adult children, a loving husband, and 6 grandchildren. I was first diagnosed with a malignant tumor (12mm in size) in 2018. Due to the malignant tumor, l got a double mastectomy. In 2023, the cancer came back. The new diagnosis was worse for me than the initial breast cancer diagnosis. However, I will not give up and keep making the best of it. I hope that modern medicine will do the same for you❤️❣️❤️

I had breast cancer in 2015. It returned to the fluid in the pleural of my lung. Was started on Ibrance and Letrozole. They have not found cancer in any other part of my body. I became no evidence of disease in about 5 months. I recently switched to Fulvestrant shots because letrozole was destroying my quality of life. I just passed the 2 year mark for my first line of treatment.

I am on Anastrozole too. I feel fine but know there is no cure. But at 74 and having lived a wonderful life, I am ok.

I'm 55 in 2018 I had stage 3 breast cancer. I got a port, chemo, surgery to remove mass and radiation. Then in 2024 I was diagnosed with mestatic liver cancer from the breast but now 5 months later it has spread to my limp nodes, the lining around my stomach causing ascites and the the gutter(right side) going to colon. I take letrozole but will be getting injections as of next week and am starting kisquali next week. Someone please help me understand all of this.

I’m no expert, diagnosed less than three months ago. Anastrozole is the hormone blocker for post menopausal women, your Letrozole is given to middle age women. The Kisquali is actually a form of chemotherapy which I’m just starting today. There are special handling and sanitation guidelines for it because it can be harmful to pets and children. It is also very expensive. Fortunately I qualified for their program NPAP- Novartis Patient Assistance Program. Ask your doctor about the application form, then it’s sent to me free from the factory. It’s three pills taken every morning. It can have side effects but since I’m new to this time will tell.

Patricia. I hope you are doing well, having started your new meds. The beginning is hard. I was 70 when mine were found. I am 72 now. Keep moving it really helps. The first few months may be hard, but let your Dr know of any side effects. I have been at this for 2 years. Tuesday, they are adding a bone hardening drug to my treatment. Starting new med and changing meds are always stressful.

Pat, almost two years ago, on Valentine’s Day, I received my biopsy and scan results. I had Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. It seemed to have settled where arthritis was, except in my lungs. They found a lymph node under my clavicle where the breast cancer was. I am on Anastrozole and Ibrance, a totally different diet of chicken. My husband and son are red meat eaters. I was told to enroll in palliative care and get my affairs in order, given 17% and 21 months chance of survival. That struck my heart like a sledgehammer. As the 21st month came around, I was told I was in complete remission in all metastic areas. I lift you up in prayer. 🙏🏼

Sending you encouragement and prayers

It is amazing it grew so fast. I had breast cancer 26 years ago and did a mastectomy and chemo. They never did a mammogram where i had a mastectomy and they found metastatic cancer in my liver two years ago. It is a shame they did not image my breast or they would have found it much earlier. But I am 74 and have truly enjoyed my life. I have an amazing husband and a 34 year old son and two step daughters. I am ready to go when the time comes and become another part of this universe.

Hi Patricia. I’m. 80 years and feel pretty good most days. My dr also said my treatment can go for yrs. I’m a fighter and have a positive attitude about this part of my life. Sure I’ve had to change a few things but well worth it. I’ve had this journey now foe 2/1/2 yrs. Prayers

Hello Everyone 🩷

I was originally diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer in 2011. I had genetic testing done to find out whether or not I had the BC Braca gene. I do indeed have a Braca gene, but my test results came back as “Unspecified”, which means I do have a Braca gene, but my results did not tell me which one. In 2011, October, when I was initially diagnosed, I had 6 1/2 weeks of Radiation and I was on Tamoxifen for 11 yrs by my choice. No side effects at all with the Tamoxifen, and no spread to my lymph nodes. Now here we are in February of 2025, and 11 months ago (Not found by my Oncologist)! Actually my Neurologist & I are the ones who found out on our own by many MRI appts & tests that my Breast Cancer had returned sometime in 2021 and had metasticized to my bones as well. My exact diagnosis: Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer😢 I was SO angry!😡🤬 After being a BC Survivor for 13 years, Seriously?! My Oncologist told me that I did absolutely everything I could have done to prevent it from coming back….and it still came back!!!! In 2011, I had a double mastectomy even though it was only in my right breast, I was not willing to take ANY chances at all! I also had a full hysterectomy like a month later, because my OB/GYN found pre-cancerous cells in my uterus. I’m a very Positive person and I will NEVER GIVE UP!!!!💪💪💪💪 I know GOD’s got me!!!! In 2019, GOD got me through blood clots that almost killed me! I was in the 1700 range. It was no joke! I was in the ICU for a month! My name is Darlene, I’m 58 and the proud Mom of 3 grown kids, all on their own and doing great for themselves❤️ 2 daughters, ages 31 and 29….and 1 son 32. I’m also the proud Grammy of 3 beautiful granddaughters. Layla Anne, just turned 2yrs a couple weeks ago, her baby sister: Madison Nicole (AKA Maddie), almost 3 months old…those 2 are my oldest daughter Kristi’s daughters. Then Sunny Love is 1 wk shy of being 1 year old❤️ My son doesn’t have any children yet, but has been with his girlfriend Rachel for 6 yrs. So I fight this nasty Cancer for my kids and my grandchildren!😘🩷😇🙏🙏🙏🙏

I hope to make alot of new friends here in this group, being that we can all relate to what each other are going through, and we are 🩷Pink Sisters🩷! Love & BIG HUGS to each and every one of you!

@Diane R. Hi, my name is Dawn. I too was on Ibrance and Anastrozole. For a while the cancer in my bones did not show up after I had taken the meds for about 1.5 years. I’m wondering about your diet. You said you switched to eating only chicken?? No red meat. Were there any other changes you made?

I am just starting Ibrance and itovebi. Sort of scared at the side effects. Anyone in the same position

High, not sure if anyone can relate to going from a negative diagnostic annual mammogram to Stage 4 MBC in 10 months. In January I had a negative mammogram and then had to have a thoracentesis in July, August and September due to fluid build in my lungs bilaterally in which they removed 3 liters of fluid from each lung all 3 procedures and then diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast cancer in Oct. Has spread to adrenal gland , rt hip, spine, sternum, and lungs. Also no mastectomy or chemo due to the advance stage. Genetic screen was negative. Have been on Kisquli and Letrozole and X-Geva Injection to help strengthen my bones some.

Terra P,I think your doc should have started you on a combination of letrezole and a CDK4/6 right away. I'd get a 2nd opinion.

Hi Patricia, I'm 64 years old and have been fighting a good fight for 23 years this May. I'm also stage 4 MBC. I'm enjoying life on a different level. I feel great, and I'm so blessed to still he able to live on my own and take care of myself. You hang in there. We will continue to pray and uplift each other. Much love!🩷

Thank you for sharing this part of your journey with such grace and strength. The calm and peace you're describing, even in the face of such significant challenges, can be truly inspiring to others in similar situations. Many people find that having strong faith and family support, along with feeling physically well despite their diagnosis, makes a meaningful difference in how they navigate this path. The community here understands the unique aspects of living with metastatic breast cancer, and your perspective about taking things one day at a time while staying connected to what brings you comfort may resonate with others facing similar circumstances.