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Breast cancer with metastasis in the spine

Samantha-jane profile image
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Hi, I am 46 yrs old and was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in my left breast in 2012. I had chemotherapy followed by a masectomyand lymph node clearance , radiotherapy then tamoxifen. I had delayed reconstruction in 2014 where a small local reoccurance was discivered which was removed when they reconstructed. My tamoxifen was changed to anastrazole with a zolidex injection to induce an early menopause. Unfortunately in oct 2015 i found an enlarged lymph node on my right side which was biopsied and showed ductal cancer and scans showed metastasis on my spine. Im back on oral chemo and injections for my bones and other than tiredness and some aching I am quite well. I would love to hear from anyone with similar problems. I have 3 children and my biggest fear is dying and leaving them. I have heard different things about prognosis ranging from 80% of people dying within 5 years and some people living for 10-15 years? Does anyone know more about this?

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Samantha-jane
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MummaZeeZo profile image
MummaZeeZo

I am similar early breast cancer 2013, local recurrence 2015, lung Mets and brain mets. Her2 positive breast cancer. 42 years old. In Australia. My friend had Breast cancer with liver, bone and lung mets. She had gone to Germany and came back after 3 treatments cycled with no sign of disease and is now 8 years clear. I have been there for one round of treatment and will return for more. Contact Dr Hertzog at Fachklinik in Germany. info@fachklinikdrherzog.de

The clinic is family friendly and if you are otherwise well you can live as an out patient. Cheaper. Full of Australians when I went. All there from word of mouth success stories from friends just like me.

Also read Radical Remission by Kelly Turber PHD. A mets study on longer term survivors and what they all had in common.

Cheers

Zoe Xxx

Sue16 profile image
Sue16

Hi Samantha

I'm 46 with metastatic breast cancer also. I was diagnosed three years ago. I have bony involvement and had my left femoral head replaced 18 months ago. I'm on zoladex ( since 2011) letrozole and denosumab. I have a 10 year old son.

It is a frightening place to be...

Statistics tend to tell us generalities. My oncologist used them only when deciding treatment.

What is most important is your own situation. I hope that I will be one of the anomalies. I have met a number of stage 4 patients who are doing well after up to 18 years.

Courses and support have enabled me to live well for the most part. Be kind to yourself and your own best friend. Get support from penny brohn also breast cancer care run support courses nationally.

You are very welcome to message me.

Coming to terms with the new normal is tough.

Lots of love

Sue

Samantha-jane profile image
Samantha-jane in reply to Sue16

Thanks Sue thats really helpful. On the whole i feel ok and think I was lucky that i found it through a scan after detecting an enlarged lymph so hopefully the chemo will keep it at bay for a long time.

Ive done a course at the Penny Bronwyn which was helpful and try to look after myself. Generally Im having a nice time enjoying doing things with family and friends but sometimes, like Im sure you do, feel scared. I think the uncertainty is the worse thing but as you say, you need to learn to accept that.

You sound as if you have been through the mill having to have surgery as well.

Does your know about your cancer and if so how is he coping. We told out 3 children the first time I was diagnosed as it was more visable with losing my hair. This time we have said bare minimum and they seem ok thiugh tge youngest seems a little more unsettled.

Sam xx

I have secondary breast cancer in my bones and am on exemestane and denosumab. I also experience tiredness and aching joints and never know how it is going to be the next day. I find the forum on the breast cancer care website very helpful and supportive. There are lots of threads on different topics to follow and contribute to. breastcancercare.org.uk/