Hello, I’m a 37 year old mum to two boys aged 8 and 4. 10 days ago I was told I have metastatic breast cancer that is also in my spine and liver. I’m still being tested so do not have a full diagnosis yet.
I’ve been feeling symptoms for a month, like pain back and fatigue but to be told it’s cancer has been a shock. I’m rapidly deteriorating. My liver function has worsened in a week as seen on blood tests. I’m housebound and cannot look after my children. I can just about get to the bathroom before I feel really dizzy and faint. I’ve been breathless.
However, when I’ve been to A&E they couldn’t do much as I don’t have a diagnosis. Nurses and GP have said there’s not much I can do. The hospital have been very quick with getting me tested but I feel there has been zero support for how I feel now.
So my question for anyone who was diagnosed with MBC straightaway, is it normal to feel so ill before treatment? How will I cope with Chemo if I’m not coping now?
I am sorry you have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and that you are feeling so unwell. I don’t have any practical advice other than to try to keep yourself as comfortable as you can while you wait for the results from the tests and a treatment plan. Unfortunately you will likely be spiralling mentally and that always makes things a lot worse. Hopefully it will become easier when you know what you are facing. The purpose of treatment will be to reduce your cancer load and its impact on you so hopefully you should feel better in treatment despite the side effects of the treatment. I have been living with metastatic breast cancer since 2022 and am stable and broadly well.
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I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
