Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis

[Anonymous]

Not sure where to start, so I guess I'll just put it all out there.

My sister was just diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. It has spread to bones, and her liver. Chemo is not an option at this point, instead she will be on an infusion and two different medications.
She's getting a second opinion of course, but not really hanging any hopes on change in diagnosis.

We are devastated, afraid, and feel hopeless and helpless...although it seems like she has fully accepted this as her fate.

Can anyone share their experience with this same diagnosis whether with a loved one, or themselves. I need to hear the good, bad and ugly as I want to be prepared for what's coming for her. She is unmarried, no children. Has my mom and brother as her support system. I'm across the country and am trying to do what I can from here

thank you

[Anonymous]

Did she have breast cancer before and it metastasized, or is this her first diagnosis of breast cancer?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did she have breast cancer before and it metastasized, or is this her first diagnosis of breast cancer?

This is her first diagnosis, of any cancer or any other serious health related issue. She admitted to us that has not had her annual mammograms for at least the last 5 years.

[Anonymous]

I’m so sorry OP. How old is she? Other health issues?

[Anonymous]

I’m so so sorry OP. Since this is the first time she’s had cancer I think there is reason to be hopeful she will respond to treatment. Don’t give up yet!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m so sorry OP. How old is she? Other health issues?

She's only 56. No other health problems. Has also been eating almost entirely plant based for the last 25 years.

[Anonymous]

How old is she? You mention ‘annual mammograms’ so I’m assuming older? Older age can work in her favor for cancer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m so so sorry OP. Since this is the first time she’s had cancer I think there is reason to be hopeful she will respond to treatment. Don’t give up yet!

Thank you. I am trying to stay hopeful. I appreciate your words of encouragement especially as relates to this being her first and only cancer diagnosis.

I've been crying all weekend. We're only 15 months apart, and were basically raised like twins. I can't imagine my life without her in it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old is she? You mention ‘annual mammograms’ so I’m assuming older? Older age can work in her favor for cancer.

She's only 56. I had no idea that older age could be a positive when it comes to cancer. How so?

[Anonymous]

I found the forums here helpful when I was supporting my sister who had a stage 2 diagnosis. I’m very sorry for what your family is going through.

https://www.breastcancer.org/community/discussion

[Anonymous]

Depending on the type, immunotherapy can be quite promising. I am really sorry for your news.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How old is she? You mention ‘annual mammograms’ so I’m assuming older? Older age can work in her favor for cancer.

She's only 56. I had no idea that older age could be a positive when it comes to cancer. How so?

It tends to be slower-growing. I think this is in women in their 60s and 70s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I found the forums here helpful when I was supporting my sister who had a stage 2 diagnosis. I’m very sorry for what your family is going through.

https://www.breastcancer.org/community/discussion

thank you PP for the link. Extremely helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depending on the type, immunotherapy can be quite promising. I am really sorry for your news.

Thank you, PP.

[Anonymous]

Also please check out imermanangels.org. It’s a free cancer support community.