What next?

[Maggiekw]

I had a lumpectomy Dec 2015. I refuse 9months of chemo and then radiotherapy and then tablets. I used complimentary therapy. Unfortunately, I went off track. I know have mastastic in my sternum and skull. I have gone on Ibrance and letrozole. I started a week ago. I am tired emotional and a few pains. I have gone back on complimentary therapies and the doctor has no problem with this. I am still in shock and not sure what Support I need or where to go. For instants: I am not intitled to any benefits, I use for more energy to keep warm, I have had to buy new clothes to fit me, the list goes on. I am 65years old retired due to the cancer. The hardest thing is loneliness. Great I feel better I have it all off my chest, maggie

[Hidden]

Maggie, this is a great group for support, it’s good that you are here. This whole cancer thing can be overwhelming but be encouraged that are people who can and will help. You just have to ask-a church, a non-profit, etc. Also try asking your local hospital for any resources (start with a case manager). Your doctor also may have resources to help. Stay connected with this group, I have found they are really supportive.

[Burgerde]

I also had to retire at 62 when I was diagnosed with stage 4. I applied for SSD and was immediately approved because of diagnosis. There is a lot of support out there. Oncology most always has social workers who can see if you qualify for anything. They can be a big help. I had to start taking some of my savings from my 401 K to make ends meet. You might qualify for more than you think. Lots of times drug companies will provide meds for free. Loneliness is hard. A cancer support group can help. Getting involved in something volunteering just a little can also help. Don’t be afraid of asking for support from friends and family. Hang in there!

[lynzer in reply to Burgerde]

Sorry you’re going through all of this. I also agree that this group is great for taking things through.

I would also suggest contacting cancer.org. They were able to reimburse me financially for the radiation and chemo with receipts.

Lynn

[Maggiekw]

Thank you so much for your replies. I am trying to shield my family and friends for how scared I am, I don’t want them to worry. So I will keep in touch. Thank you.

[Kmzk in reply to Maggiekw]

I to try to shield my family and friends. I do talk to them but I also make them believe I’m good. We are strong women and having each other really helps.

[Hidden]

Maggie, you will not be lonely if you keep in touch with this great group. Cancer is so frightening and it is very difficult when you know there is help out there but cannot afford it - I know.

So many people here have stories that will give you support and encouragement. Stay with us

[Kmzk]

Please don’t feel lonely we are all here for you. If you need my phone number to text or call me please let me know.

[Hidden]

Hi Maggie -

I'll not add more to the wonderful advice and support already given to you by other members, but I'll mention a couple of things that really helped me regain my footing after diagnosis...

First, it's entirely possible, maybe even likely, that you will be stable for quite a while. I know that docs don't like to talk statistics (not sure why...facts always help me make good decisions...), but people on Ibrance + Letrezole live progression-free (i.e. no new tumors) on average 18-20 months. So, if you're around the average, you have a good chunk of time to sort of stabilize, think, plan, accomplish things, etc.

With I+L, about 30% of women in the initial study were still progression-free after 40 months. That's a nice loooong time, in my book, compared to what one typically thinks/fears with diagnosis..

AND, since you're on Ibrance, I'm going to assume that your cancer is hormone receptive (right term?), and therefore there are almost certainly several other valid treatments that can be tried after Ibrance loses its effectiveness, which could stretch this whole thing out pretty far into the future...

So, in other words, it's possible (and maybe probable...) that you will have months and months of feeling the same or maybe even better. For many women, tumors actually shrank for some time on Ibrance .

I guess I'm appealing to the left side of your brain...analytical, etc...because that works for me and some others, i'm sure...

Very best wishes, Lynn

[Hidden]

Maggie,

The ladies are right we are all happy n the same boat. We try to keep a happy face on for our family and friends. But here you don't have to. You can tell us good news bad news what ever you want. Listen to everyone about getting help with your meds from the company. There are a lot of groups out there to help you. I am on Ibrance and Faslodex. Hoping I will hear next month that my tumor markers are going down again. But I know when one medicine stops working there are always new ones coming out. Just remember to we want to know all the good or bad feelings you have. Hope things pick up for you.

Barbara