Do doctors always give a timeline for stage 4 cancer patients?

Communities›Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer›Do doctors always give a timeline for stage 4 cancer patients?

YL

Community Member

9 months ago

Hi everyone! Yvette Lee, 32 years old I was diagnosed with stage 2 TNBC in 3/2023. I went through chemo, double mastectomy, radiation, Keytruda. In 12/2023, I was diagnosed with heart failure from the Keytruda so was take off of that and now have chronic heart failure. In 4/2024 I was diagnosed with METS to my liver. I was on oral chemo which didnt work. In 12/2024 I was diagnosed with mets to brain and went through Gabbaknife, successfully. Im on Taxol/carbo 2 weeks on, 1 week off indefinitely. Overall, Im doing okay. I have been working out again. I have never been told I have a timeline of 5 years or so many months which I think is odd. I guess my question is is do you always get told how long they think you have once you’re stage 4? Next month makes a year for me being METS and ive never been given a time frame which I think Im grateful for but just don’t want to be naive. Thank you for reading.

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Accepted Answer

Every oncologist approaches timeline discussions differently - some share statistics while others focus on treatment goals and quality of life instead. Many doctors choose not to give specific timeframes because metastatic breast cancer responses can vary greatly between individuals, and they want to avoid creating unnecessary anxiety or false expectations. It sounds like your medical team is focused on keeping you stable and maintaining your quality of life, which is often the most meaningful approach for many patients in your situation.

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JB

Community Member

6 months ago

Hi Yvette! I am also 32 years old and was diagnosed metastatic/stage 4 her2+ in 02/23! They never gave me a timeline of survival (I think because we are so young) which I’m grateful for! 6 rounds of Chemo cleared the cancer everywhere but I still opted to have a bilateral mastectomy at the end of 2023. Was on perjeta & Herceptin indefinitely every 3 weeks. Found one brain met in July 2024 had emergency surgery and then brain radiation after and have been NED ever since. Still on one her2 med through my port every 3 weeks and two oral chemo drugs that go over the blood/brain barrier. I just take it day by day and whatever your body can handle I would encourage you to keep doing! Sending lots of love!!! Are you doing any supplements or natural things?

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YL

Community Member

6 months ago

What is the oral chemo drugs you are on? I haven’t done any supplements or natural things but I’m open to suggestions if you have some! 🤍🤍

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JB

Community Member

6 months ago

I am currently on Herceptin through my port then the two oral chemo I am on are tukysa & capecetibine. I’m not sure if this combo is just for her2+ or not. I take boswellia akab which is supposed to be good for reducing inflammation and protecting the brain! :-) I would suggest adding that for sure.

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Every oncologist approaches timeline discussions differently - some share statistics while others focus on treatment goals and quality of life instead. Many doctors choose not to give specific timeframes because metastatic breast cancer responses can vary greatly between individuals, and they want to avoid creating unnecessary anxiety or false expectations. It sounds like your medical team is focused on keeping you stable and maintaining your quality of life, which is often the most meaningful approach for many patients in your situation.

Do doctors always give a timeline for stage 4 cancer patients?

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