Breast Cancer with Bone and Peritoneal mets

Good Evening Everyone, 

I’m in early 50’s having been diagnosed in my late 40’s with invasive ductal breast cancer ER8, PR6, HER2 negative. The cancer had spread to 2 lymph nodes. So initially a lumpectomy was completed and 11 lymph nodes taken out. For the next 4 years I had monthly injections of zoladex and tamoxifen daily tablets. No chemo but went on a trial called Optima. 

Sadly 4 years later, cancer had spread to multiple bones in my spine, sacrum, and hip. At this point, the Oncologist started a program of fulvestrant, ribociclib, zoladex and zoladronic acid. As well as radiotherapy to my spine and hip. Within 2 months my liver enzymes began to rise so we switched to abemaciclib. 

Then 2 month ago, I was admitted to hospital with pain in my stomach and constipation. Anyone having Abemaciclib will be aware that this treatment has diarrhoea as a potential side affect, so totally the reverse of that expected. A CT scan later revealed further spread through the bones, particularly the neck and in the peritoneum. I received radiotherapy to the neck and waited 7 weeks whilst a PET scan and bone biopsy was done. Unfortunately both did not reveal anything new, such as mutations of the original diagnosis or whether another cancer was at play (I understand this is rare but not impossible).

I self medicate on co-codimol and neurofen, though seriously thinking of breaking open the bottle of morphine (kindly provided by a local hospice).

My first chemo was last Friday. Three weeks on and one week off. My stomach is screaming and passing water is not a walk in the park. 

I guess I’m trying to reach out to anyone who is going through the same and try and understand if the pain I’m feeling is chemo fighting its corner in my belly.

Px