Unthinkable tumors.

Hi. I know there are a lot of well informed ladies out there so maybe you could advise me please. I was told 2 years ago that my tumors were incurable and therefore no operation could be performed. I am now on chemo for 3 months to try to shrink them a bit. If it does work which is doubtful what will happen when I stop the chemo. Would all this be for nothing as they will grow back? It's all such a rollercoaster. I would be grateful to hear your thoughts. X

[Hidden]

I imagine once the tumors shrink sufficiently they might offer the next course of treatment. Have they discussed options like Ibrance or other oral chemistry?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I have been on letrozole, aromasin and fulverstant but nothing worked. The surgeon said he couldn't operate as there would be too much to do. Large tumors and cancerous lymph nodes. I honestly don't know but just do what they tell me to. On low does chemo every week now as my age and heart problems are against me. I try to carry on living a normal life but it's hard isn't it. All the best to you. X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I don’t know enough about this kind of curio to offer specific ideas. I wish I could offer my re than my sincere prayers and a caring hug. I’m sorry and will keep you in my thoughts.

[queeneee]

It is a rollercoaster indeed. I cant advise medically, however I would say that the 'Inner game' of MBC is to accept that this is a chronic condition , you may continue to have tumours and still feel very well, take each treatment as it comes up, and if you are feeling good - love that day.

[Hidden]

Hello, I'm so sorry for the stress you're dealing with....your post leaves me with some questions...

You were dx'd two years ago, started IV chemo three months ago...Did the oral treatments not work well?

If the oral treatment failed to contain the cancer, I think you should still be hopeful that the IV treatments will....I've seen this *many* times in this community.

I have many questions, but key among them are: Have you had a recent biopsy to see if your sub-type has maybe changed? If it hasn't, maybe the cancer outsmarted the typical oral treatments but will respond well to the "big guns" of IV chemo? Have you done IV chemo before or is your body/your cancer new to ("naive" to) these treatments? If so, I would think you could be especially hopeful?

I'm sorry for where you are, but I have seen *so many* people in this group who turn around from what seem like dire circumstances....I truly hope this is true for you..

Best,

Lynn

[Melpub]

I don't know, but I do know these practical steps you could take:

(1) Get genomic testing--it is expensive, and if you can't afford it or your insurance won't pay, crowd fund. That's what I did. Get a physician to help you write a brief description of what you need and why.

(2) Consult someone at a good university hospital, if you have not already done so.

(3) With the genomic testing, you may be in line for more clinical trials--ask your physician or a physcian from a university hospital, about them.

One other thing: cancer is not always so predictable. A friend with triple-negative breast cancer was told she had a year or two--it's been nearly fifteen, and she's still around

[mariootsi]

It definitely is a Rollercoaster! But, I'm sure tYour onc has a plan for you!

[mariootsi in reply to mariootsi]

As some have said genomic testing may give even more options.