Diagnosed today with Stage 4 IDC - need a hand hold

Just want to give you a big hug. I can't be of direct help because I am in my 70s and situation different from you. But it is late and I wanted you to have that hug. I am sure you will get some more directly helpful and positive.  responses soon. Don't worry about not responding to treatment there are a whole raft of different ones out there and being added to each day.. xxxxx

Thank you so much, I appreciate that. I’m alone with my own thoughts at the moment and it feels very lonely. 

Big hug from me.  My situation different but one of my best friends daughter has stage 4 breast cancer and she is 49 also.  She was initially diagnosed at age 40 and had bilateral mastectomies, chemotherapy, radiation and tamoxifen.  About 9 years later she had a persistent cough and finally diagnosed with stage 4.  She had issues with liver, lungs but is doing well on treatment.  She had to quit her job as dental hygienist but is doing ok.  Has some side effects from medicines but managing them.  She has an 11 yr old son and husband.  
There are many advances being made in the metastatic breast cancer world and so thankful.  Have also seen women who have lived for 20 years  and more with stagec4.  It is being treated as more of a chronic disease now.Take care of yourself and  I am sure you will have many women who will share their personal experiences with you.  

Thank you Barbara. It’s good to hear some positive stories, I know life as I know it is about to change. I also have 2 children who are 13 and 11 and my husband - he looks like the bottom has dropped out of his world 

Good morning Cumbrianlass,  I am so sorry to read about your diagnosis.  I had lobular breast cancer in 2013 and had lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy.   I was 47.  Last year I had pain in hips and back.  I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and have mets in pelvis, hips, spine, ribs and skull.  When I found out last year I was devastated and it turned my world upside down.  This year I am so much more positive, I am living with cancer.  I am on treatment and my cancer is stable.  My husband and I even went to Portugal on holiday in September.  I have a good quality of life.  One thing is to try and stay positive because it does get better and treatment is evolving all the time.  I know it is not easy to stay positive this early in your diagnosis.  I am sending you and your husband and children all the best and big hugs.  You are not alone, I am here and happy to chat or hold your hand.   

Lee xx

Goodness - that is a shocker. I can imagine you and your family are all finding it hard to take in the news.

I don't have much to offer in terms of advice as my circumstances were quite different

But I can’t walk past without passing on my best wishes. One of the positives I’ve got out of having cancer treatment is a reminder of how kind people can be. Unfortunately we read and hear a lot in the news about how horrible a lot of human nature is. But I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness I’ve had from so many different practitioners  

Know that there are so many people out here wishing you well. Put faith in your team and here’s wishing you an effective treatment

xx

Yes this reflected my experience and it was such a comfort. x

Hi there, so sorry for you. I have just received a diagnosis this week. Still having tests to understand more but def grade 3 breast cancer which had spread to lymph node. I totally empathise with how you are feeling. Combination of shock, fear, sadness. I feel pretty teary which is not like me!  You are not alone, sending hugs!

Hugs to hubby too.  Very hard for the hubby to digest all of this.  As women we do so much for the family as we are much of the glue that keeps it all together.  
wishing you all the best.

Just to let you know you are not alone in this,  I have a very similar diagnosis to yours , Diagnosed stage 3 in May and then Stage 4 (Spine mets)  in August.  Due to various other health complications they decided no chemo, possibly no surgery (depending on progress), so I am on Ribociclib and Letrozole,  which seem to be working ok.  I am told I will be on them indefinitely., and may get surgery and Radio after a few more months.   It's a big shock at the start, but I found it gets easier as monthly blood tests says it's responding.