Hi,
I'm new to the forums and would love to connect with people in a similar situation.
I'm a 42 year old mum of 2 little people (5 and 7) and have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and metastatic cancer in my bones. I was diagnosed after a trip to A&E with back pain so it has all been a massive shock and has completely pulled my life out from under me.
My cancer is hormone receptive and so I have started taking medication which has blocked my oestrogen production. I am also due to start ribociclib this week and will be given a bone strengthening drug every 3 months.
Anyone who is in a similar situation and has managed to get back to some kind of 'normal' life? I used to be such an active person but I am now struggling with back pain and am going through a forced menopause, both of which are making me feel flat and exhausted. Is there anyone out there who has any positive experiences that will help me see a light at the end of the tunnel?
Hi nmill
So sorry to hear your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago. Hormone receptive. I had a lumpectomy and full lymph removal. I received radiotherapy but no chemo as my oncotype score was only 16. And was given tamoxifen. In February this year I was diagnosed with retinal toxicity due to the tamoxifen and as I was struggling with aches and pains spoke to my cancer nurse and came off my tamoxifen whilst waiting for my 5 year review two weeks ago. I haven’t seen a consultant since my surgery and my review was by phone. I mentioned my aches and pains and be put my review on hold and sent me for a bone scan. The bone scan was Monday. I was very concerned as just as I was getting up from the bone scan they asked for a further scan on my skull. I was told 2-3 weeks for results but have received a text 3 days afterwards (yesterday) to say I have been called into a face to face appointment next Wednesday. I’m feeling very scared. Sorry not given your the reassurance you were after just reaching out
Hi I am new to the forum. Been diagnosed with breast cancer graded a 3 on the 13th June after finding a lump. Scan and biopsy confirmed its in one lymph note as well. Today is my results day from all the scans including a PET-CT. I am so anxious and scared. Anyone has any tips please?
I hope your appointment goes ok tomorrow and you receive good news xx
Hi Chiney, your diagnosis sounds exactly like mine was five years ago, I was clear on the CT scan but it was so stressful waiting for the results, good luck for today x let us know how you get on x Make sure you take someone with you as a second pair of ears is crucial xx
I went alone. Good news is it hasn't spread anywhere else in the body, but need to do an ultra sound on the left lymph as the PET scan shows very small ones. So I will be going for that on the 16th and to put a marker in the right breast. Also i will be meeting with the Oncology team to find out when I will start treatment which I was told will be chemotherapy.
Hi nmill
I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I am in a similar position. I was diagnosed in Jan 24 with Invasive lobular breast cancer with secondary skeletal. Within 4 months I was put on a treatment plan of Zoladex & Denosumab injections, Letrozole, Ribociclib and Adcal tablets. Although these medications can cause aches & stiffness in the joints it is therefore important to keep mobile. Ask your oncologist/ breast nurse for advice on the exercises that are safe for you to do without putting too much pressure on your bones.
Once I was on my treatment plan I came to terms with my diagnosis. I have a good quality of life. I have learned not over do things, rest when my body tells me to. Also learn to say yes when help is offered. Something I have never been good at.
These treatments help to extend our lives. My treatment has kept me stable. It has diminished the cancer cells in the breast. My last scan shows the lesions on my bones are healing. I also asked how fragile my bones are, my oncologist said that they are not brittle. Its positive.
A tip if you are taking Ribociclib in the morning is to eat first. I personally found it helps if i get nausea. If that happens I have ginger biscuits and also drink lemon & ginger tea to help. Keep hydrated through the day.
Go at your pace, make time for yourself when you can.
Thanks, the good news is 95% of my body is clear, the oncologist confirmed there is a hotspot in my skull so I have a ct scan Wednesday and hopefully results the following Wednesday
That’s fantastic news. These scans are very sensitive so I was told so I’m sure the ct scan will be just fine xx
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