welcome to the community. To answer your question in factual terms, it means breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
But that’s just the facts. The next bit is what to do with them. And that depends why you are asking. Is this something you’ve been told about yourself? Or are you asking on behalf of someone you know? It would really help if you could give us some more information so we can point you in the right direction to find people who are in a similar situation to you and can share their experiences. We have lots of groups here and joining the right ones can really help to know you’re not alone
I am asking 4 myself .15 years ago I had breast cancer (my youngest daughter was 6months)I underwent chemotherapy then surgery and finally radiotherapy .just after my treatment finished my husband was diagnosed with unknown primary n passed away within 3months of being diagnosed, from then till now I think I've been in auto pilot, our 3 children were young I went back to work and being a full time mum all was great until xmas just gone I notice a lump on my shoulder by January it was badly bruised I went gp and started to recognise the routine test ct scan MRI scan pet scan bone scan biopsy on my lump then I was told the cancer has returned n will have to have chemotherapy again I am under the same hospital but they cannot find my hospital records . I don't know how to answer what cancer I have I know it sounds silly i have been saying secondary breast cancer then i saw metastatic ductal carcinoma on my notes at my gp n I wasnt sure if was the same thing (sorry I don't goggle doctor anything)
I am really sorry to hear about everything you’ve been through. I am not a doctor but as I understand it, yes secondary breast cancer and metastatic ductal carcinoma are the same thing. But don’t quote me on that.
I was about to suggest you join the secondary breast cancer group - I can see you’ve already found your way there. That’s great. I really hope you find the support you need.
I wish you all the best. I imagine you have a lot on your plate right now including how to talk to your kids. There’s plenty of information on the main website and the Macmillan helpline is there if you need someone to talk to in person
