“A few months ago, I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer that has metastasis to the bones. My cancer is HER2 positive. I don’t know why, but I feel inspired that I will recover miraculously because of my three young children.”
Hi Rosepetal. I am so sorry to read about your diagnosis. I had breast cancer in 2013. I always wondered if it would come back. Was diagnosed last year with secondary breast cancer. To be diagnosed de novo from the beginning must be even more of a shock. Especially as you sound like you are physically fit. I have been on targeted therapy for one year now and it has stopped it spreading and it has stabilised. The diagnosis turned my life upside down. We were going to move overseas this year and have bought a house in South Africa which is where we are from. This is now not possible but now we have made other plans. Smaller plans but still plans. It does take a while to come to terms with it, but eventually it does get better. I think of it as a disease that I am living with and will do so for a long time. I am determined to enjoy life. I really hope that your appointment goes well tomorrow and that you have a supportive and positive oncologist. Please don't feel alone as we are all here for you. I find these forums very helpful, even writing it down helps. Please let me know how you get on tomorrow x
Hi Rosepetal. Sorry to hear you going through this. I was diagnosed two years ago de novo. They told me it was curable at first and then every test and surgery I had it got worse until they found it in my lymph and bones. I was horrified is maybe the word. I went into treatment although the whole concept of not going onto the strongest chemo at the time filled me with shock and rage almost I would say. I said to the surgeon but I feel well how would I ever know and he said you are well you just have cancer. Very hard to wrap head around. Im on a cdk4 inhibitor and hormone treatment and it’s been stable since Feb 2024. My onc takes a rather negative approach and she’s the only option currently but I am learning to find my hope elsewhere and there’s nice people who are going through the same and it can be helpful to share. There is a lot if research, a lot of hope and I hope you get some comfort from that. How great that you so fit and enjoy exercise as that’s helpful. Just take it one day at a time and you know what you know. Some days are rough and this is hard and heavy sometimes and then we pick ourselves up and carry on. My mate who is a more positive oncologist told me that and I remind myself of it often. I think it’s normal to feel shit and lots of other emotions.
Thank you for your response. I have just had my appointment with the oncologist and I feel hopeful. I will be starting targeted treatment next Wednesday. Fingers crossed that it works for me. X
Thank you. It is good to know that others are going through the same thing. My oncologist is really hopeful which is really helpful. I know it can't be cured but if it can be contained or even shrink it's a bonus. Last week I didn't think that I would see another year but today I feel a little more positive. Fingers crossed that it's going to work.
