Newbie

[Moon-and-Stars]

Evening all. I’m new to this community. I’m 36 years old, married to a lovely man and we have a beautiful baby. I was diagnosed with MBC (liver and bone) after the birth of my baby. I’m doing good at the moment; am on Palbociclib and all is going well 🤞🏻. I suppose I’ve signed up to remind myself that I’m not alone.

[Hidden]

Hello!

Congratulations on the birth of your baby. What a joy your baby must be to you. Your husband sounds supportive from the way you described him, which is so important.

Welcome to this site. I have found the ladies on here so compassionate and supportive and I am sure you will too. We are never alone with this disease, even if it might sometimes feel that way. So feel free to rant, ask questions, join in discussions or just ask for help or a listening ear. We don't always talk about "the disease" as I call it. You can talk about recipes, nutrition, family life and other issues close to your heart.

All the best,

Sophie ❤

[Moon-and-Stars in reply to Hidden]

The baby is just a tonic I have to say. Thanks Sophie 😀

[Hidden in reply to Moon-and-Stars]

That's wonderful! I was diagnosed in March last year, and am also in my 30s. To begin with, I didn't think I would ever be able to lead a "normal" life again. But as time has gone on I have settled into a routine of treatment. I just see managing this disease as something else I need to do and fit into my routine of work, family life and other aspects of my life. It can be done! My oncologist refers to this as a "chronic" condition, which I find easier to live with. So rather than viewing this as a death sentence, I look at it as a life sentence. Most of us are likely to have this disease for the rest of our lives, which can still be very long and productive. Also, with new treatments coming out all the time, it is only a matter of time until a cure is found for metastatic breast cancer. Judy Perkins was cured from metastatic breast cancer and many others have also been cured. That will hopefully be all of us soon.

Sophie x

[Moon-and-Stars in reply to Hidden]

My oncologist says the very same thing. View it like you would any chronic illness. It’s all about how it’s managed. I’m not back in work yet, but I will go back at some point, all going well. I have a very supportive manager and a great bunch of colleagues thankfully.

[Hidden in reply to Moon-and-Stars]

Yes, you're right and so is your oncologist. My oncologist told me to keep working, and to carry on as normal with my life. She has never made me feel like my death is imminent. She actually said she thinks I have "many years" ahead of me, which I found reassuring. That's great that you have a supportive manager and colleagues. I am self-employed, so I have a lot of flexibility with my work. I have some great clients who know I have cancer, and are supportive.

[Moon-and-Stars in reply to Hidden]

It makes such a difference doesn’t it Sophie?

[Hidden in reply to Moon-and-Stars]

Yes, it certainly does! One of my ad hoc clients has cancer too, so we have that in common. After I was diagnosed he told me to keep a positive attitude, as he does. It makes all the difference. x

[Have-faith in reply to Hidden]

Loved your reply Sophie. Maybe because I agree with everything you said and your positivity.

[Hidden in reply to Have-faith]

Thank you. I feel that being positive not only improves our outlook on life as we deal with this disease, but it also makes a difference to our physical health too. When I was first diagnosed, I was shocked and upset. But I tried not to stay in that state for too long, as it was having a negative impact on my life. x

[Have-faith in reply to Hidden]

I could not agree more. Many people take things for granted. I think that cancer is a huge wake up call to remind us to appreciate as much as we can. Not to take anything for granted. I think I was in a state of disbelief when I was diagnosed stage 4 with no prior health issues. Sometimes I still don't believe it! I try to keep focused on it being a chronic disease while hoping there maybe a cure for us all in the near future. It can happen. Immunotherapy for other cancers are showing progress. I make more of an effort now to take care of me and do what I want while being very conscious about.making good food choices and to keep moving even if it throwing in an extra stretch here or there. By good food choices i mean eating foods that will be the most beneficial. More along the Mediterranean diet, fresh foods, low carbs and avoiding sugar as much as possible. I believe this helps me manage the meds well and nourishes my good cells. I do take some supplements but I don't go crazy with this as we certainly can with all we read out there. I am working full time so I keep focused on work. A very uplifting film is called HEAL. It is available on Amazon to watch or you can purchase the DVD. It is about mind over body.

Have you made any diet changes since your diagnosis? Some people believe in this and some don't.

Take care!

[Hidden in reply to Have-faith]

I know what you mean! My dad was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. He was feeling very sorry for himself, which I must admit I found irritating, as he has never had to pop a pill in his life (apart from the odd painkiller here and there) and he seemed to forget all the things I have been through since last year.

I didn't have any serious health issues before my diagnosis either. Apart from three bouts of chickenpox as a child (unusual, I know!) I have never been seriously ill.

I was raised eating a Mediterranean diet right from infancy, and that always helped, but I have cut out sugar for the most part and I measure out serving sizes to ensure I do not overeat (which was one of my weaknesses). I make more food from scratch and take some supplements too. I also make time for workouts and more physical activity and drink filtered water. Like you, I feel more nourished and better for all the changes I have made in my life. My goal is radical remission.

Sophie ❤

[Juliandrea in reply to Have-faith]

You are on the right path and that is wonderful. Keep up the good work. You will be fine and here for a very long time. We are here for you.

[Have-faith in reply to Juliandrea]

Thank you. I really appreciate this site because of all of you.

[Juliandrea in reply to Have-faith]

Sophie is amazing and she is also one of my daily remedies that makes me feel better.

[Hidden in reply to Juliandrea]

That is so kind of you to say so! Thank you. I am encouraged by you and others on this journey with me too.

Sophie ❤

[Juliandrea in reply to Hidden]

❤️ 🤗

[Barbteeth]

Hi there

Lovely to meet you despite the situation we all find ourselves..as Sophie just posted..we are a very supportive group and all understand how this mbc feels and affects our lives

You’re not alone!

Barb xx

[Julie2233]

Hello

You aren't alone, there are many of us getting through this together.

I remember when I was diagnosed with mbc last year I felt like the only person in the world with this diagnosis. It was comforting to discover that I wasn't. There is so much useful information on this site but the support and understanding is even better.

[nstonerocks]

As someone always says to newcomers, glad to meet you, sorry you're here! Congrats on your baby! This is quite a time for you and your husband. A real mixed bag, and i hope you are getting the support and help you need as a new mother and as newly diagnosed with mbc. I am almost twice your age (65), mets to lungs, been here over 4 years. Had a rough start emotionally, and now it's a constant balance to ride the wave. Hope you have found an oncologist you like and trust. You can vent, rage, cry and share your good news here. I believe there are support groups at SHARE for younger women, and you might try calling them to find a buddy about your age and who shares your clinical picture. It really helps to talk to someone who has been where you are and shares a similar clinical profile. You will never be alone here, and if you ever feel really down and isolated, please post. We really support one another. There is something special about the women (because I've rarely seen a post by a man) on this board. PS love your name.

[Moon-and-Stars]

Thanks everyone xxx

[Dgarrett]

Welcome and so sorry you are going through this at such a young age and with a new baby. I too have bone Mets and some indeterminate spots on my liver. I have been on Ibrance and Letrozole since a July 2015. Things are going well. I pray you get good results from this treatment as well. Stay strong and keep the faith!

[Hidden]

We are all here to help with your questions and to support you emotionally. Each of us has a unique story to share and I hope we can ease your burden just a little.

[Moon-and-Stars in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Sarcie. I hope you’re keeping well.

[Kimr2081]

No you are not alone. This is a valuable site. I hope that things continue to go well with your current treatment. There are so many other options also so that is comforting. Focus on your new little baby. They bring so much joy to our lives. I am going to be a grandma in May for the first time and am looking forward to it.

xxoo,

Kim

[Hidden in reply to Kimr2081]

Congratulations on the impending birth of your grandchild, Kim! You must be so excited!

Sophie ❤

[Kimr2081 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. We are very excited!!!!

[Moon-and-Stars in reply to Kimr2081]

Congratulations Kim, that’s great news. You’re going to have an absolute ball. My own parents are lucky enough to spend lots of time with my daughter and they get a great buzz out of her. Children might age you, but grandchildren definitely keep you young 😂

[Kimr2081 in reply to Moon-and-Stars]

Thank you. Everyone who has grandkids tells me that. 👶🏼😊

[LLWalker67 in reply to Kimr2081]

We have custody of my five year old granddaughter (long story) and it certainly has been a blessing as she really keeps me focused on staying positive. I'm getting to do a lot more things with her than I did with my own when they were that age even with stage IV MBC so that is a big boost to my confidence that I have a lot more to ackomplish!! There's no time to feel sorry for myself and it does no good so I'm so grateful to have her with us on top of finding a great support system here where I can whine, complain or even offer support too.

[Kimr2081 in reply to LLWalker67]

It does help to have other things to focus on than mbc. I am really looking forward to it. She is due in May and it’s boy and I have two boys. So the testosterone continues. 😊 and this site is such a good outlet!!

Thanks!! Kim.

[laurac1014]

Welcome, sorry you ended up here. The group of women on this site have given me a lot of inspiration. We all plan to be around for awhile and see testaments that it possible ! Probable !

I have a co-worker who marvels over each step of her toddlers developments. (It’s nice for us with grown children to watch). I’ll bet you will be one of those mothers.

[Moon-and-Stars in reply to laurac1014]

She is just so much fun and you’re absolutely right, every day she’s doing something new.

[mariootsi]

Welcome! You are definitely not alone! We are here for each other!

[Moon-and-Stars in reply to mariootsi]

Thank you

[Rhwright12]

Congrats on the baby!

Welcome to the site! Let us know how we can help...Blessings on u and your treatment! 😀💕

[Moon-and-Stars in reply to Rhwright12]

Thank you. Everyone is so friendly.

[Sunnydaz]

Hi,

Congratulations on your baby! Welcome to this board, I’m sorry your dealing with this. We are here for you. You are not alone. I’m fairly new to this site. It’s been a Godsend. Positive and a world of knowledge, experience and compassion. I’m glad your doing well and have the love and support of your husband 💕

Robin

[NPmary]

Welcome, know that you are NOT alone. Wishing you many years with your family, love and prayers, Mary.

[Jerseygirl45]

Welcome to the site and congrats on your baby. So happy that you are feeling well.

Barbara