New diagnosis of metastasised breast cancer in lung.

[IAMALIVE33]

In 2014 I had treatment for +++ ER stage 2 breast cancer including chemo, mastectomy, lymph clearance, radiation, Herceptin. Following pleurisy and a CT scan I’ve now been diagnosed with the same metastasised BC in my lung by the respiratory dept. I also have severe rib pain and numbness. I will see oncologist in BC clinic this week. I’m in shock and scared and would be grateful for any advice about what questions to ask and what further tests to request. Thank you

[SeattleMom]

My thoughts are likely shared by many others with MBC. Mainly, hang in there, sister! And we’ve all been at the point you are now—frightened and absolutely sick about this news. You’ll discover, like all of us, that there are many continuing alternatives in the overall treatment process. Many women have lung metastases, so keep posting with questions about your specific diagnosis. They will share info and also questions for your oncologist. God bless you, dear one! You are in my prayers!

Linda. 💗💗💗💗💗🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[mariootsi]

I echo what Linda said so beautifully!

[Hidden]

Bless you. You must be scared, sad and completely thrown by all this.Don’t worry, we were all in the same position and it does get easier. Take one day at a time. You will get given lots of information this week. The most important will be what treatment you will start on.

I have mets to lung, pleura and spine and am 2 1/2 years into this journey. The treatment got rid of my fluid and eased my pain so I am able to continue with my life. I hope this is the same for you

Clare

[Bestbird]

I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis and, as you have heard, patients with lung mets can do well for years. Mine were diagnosed in 2011. If possible, it would be helpful to have a biopsy to see whether the lung mets are also ER+, and what the HER2 status is. We cannot always assume that the mets have the same pathology as the early stage breast cancer.

As far as treatments go, below is an excerpt about FDA-approved treatments for postmenopausal HR+, HER2- MBC patients from my book, "The Insider's Guide to Metastatic Breast Cancer" (which is also available as a complimentary .pdf). For information about treatments, dealing with side effects, cutting edge research and more, visit insidersguidembc.com

With good wishes!

First Line Hormonal and Targeted Treatment Options:

• The combination of a CDK4/6 inhibitor such as Ibrance (Palbociclib), Kisqali (Ribociclib) or Verzenio (Abemaciclib) with either an Aromatase Inhibitor (Letrozole [Femara], Arimidex [Anastrozole], or Aromasin [Exemestane]) or with Faslodex (Fulvestrant) is the current standard-of-care as initial treatment.

• An Aromatase Inhibitor alone.

• Faslodex (Fulvestrant) with either Letrozole or Arimidex.

• Faslodex alone.

• Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) or Fareston (Toremifene) alone (rarely used as a first-line therapy).

Second Line Hormonal and Targeted Treatment Options depend upon what endocrine therapy you have previously taken:

• Possibly any of the above therapies.

• Piqray (Alpelisib) in combination with Faslodex if your cancer has a PI3K mutation (more about this below).

• Talzenna (Talazoparib) or Lynparza (Olaparib) if you have a germline (inherited) BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (more about this below).

• Afinitor (Everolimus) with either Aromasin, Faslodex, or Tamoxifen.

[IAMALIVE33 in reply to Bestbird]

That is amazing thank you. I will read that. I was scared of falling into a pit of research and not getting out but I do need to get a better handle and this is so useful.