Cancer in the spine and sternum

Hi Lavenderpansy

I had breast cancer in 2004 and have had 12 years remission. I was re- diagnosed in 2016 with secondary breast cancer - it is now in my lungs, bones and mainly in the spine. I started oral chemo (Capecitabine and Denosumab).  Once they got the dosage right for me things were going well until March 2020 when it stopped working and my spine tumours increased and invited more friends to join them.  I was started on new regime of Palbociclib and Fulvestrant injections and continued with Denosumab. So far so good.  Fingers crossed it continues to work for a good few years yet.  I was also informed that some people can be on treatment for bone cancer for many years.  Just keep believing! I told my consultant at re-diagnosis that I was going for the wider variation of the general prognosis ...... and here I am 5 years on and living life to the full.  

Hope your treatment goes well.  They do take good care of you with regular scans to monitor any changes, don't ever feel you shouldn't bother them with any concerns....... they actively encourage you to contact them.

Sending BIG hugs your way. xx PAC

Hi there Sue , the best advice I've been given since diagnosis last year, was to stay off Google.. I did learn a lesson after reading an article which sent me into a panic, only to notice afterwards it was written 20 years ago! Treatments have moved on significantly and there are women living with secondaries for many years, and there's more treatments coming down the line. I have secondaries in spine and hip, and have been stable since diagnosis last September. On palbociclib and letrozole. Stay strong and take care

Jools xx

Hi Pauline,  That is very encouraging.  I was told by the doctors that my cancer is treatable so I should be positive.  Hope your treatment goes well.  Love Suexx

Hi Jools, That makes me feel better.  I think I will feel better once i have had a scan and know that the treatment is working.  Hope your treatment continues to work.  Love Suexx

1. PaulineAC. You have been through the mill but brilliant that you are responding to treatment and that there are options when things stop working. You have lifted my spirits. I was diagnosed with secondary in my sternum in Feb. I am on abemaciclib fulvestrant and denosumab injections. Just want to make the best of it enjoy the good days and get through the bad ones. Nice having this community  sending hugs 

Sue I'm the same waiting for first scan since starting treatment so will feel better if it is working big hugs 

Hi Patertina,  yes I think we will feel much better once we know that things are going in the right direction.  Good luck.  Love Suexxx

Sue what treatment are you having . My first scan is the 25th. It comes as a total shock the diagnosis of secondary doesn't it but I keep thinking I'm here today so I'm going to make the most of it. I am managing to do that most of the time we have had a lovely staycation at the lakes it's just sometimes its overwhelming. My problem is I'm an over thinker. Sending you positive vibes and to everyone out there we are not alone x

Sue what treatment are you having . My first scan is the 25th. It comes as a total shock the diagnosis of secondary doesn't it but I keep thinking I'm here today so I'm going to make the most of it. I am managing to do that most of the time we have had a lovely staycation at the lakes it's just sometimes its overwhelming. My problem is I'm an over thinker. Sending you positive vibes and to everyone out there we are not alone x

Hi,  I am on Palbociclic and Letzerole and have had one infusion and have another next week.  I dont have a date for a scan yet. Because i lost a lot of weight due to lack of appetite i am quite weak still and can only walk a short distance with a stick.  I get very low and cry.  When I had the breast cancer 19 years ago I managed much better!  Love and hugs Suexx