Secondary breast cancer metastasised to bones

I’m new here, recently diagnosed. I had a lumpectomy in 2010, with clear margin and no spread to lymph glands, so just radiotherapy as a precaution. Five years of mammograms were clear. Meanwhile had problems with sciatica, osteoarthritis of the right hip and back problems. Had a hip replacement, and physiotherapy, and have enjoyed nearly 5 years of hiking 5-6 miles and being fully mobile. I started to feel stiff down left side, with frequent stiff necks.

After helping with some heavy lifting (though being careful not to overdo it) I thought I’d strained my back, which was quite painful for a month or so. I git checked out at the doctors because I was also getting palpitations, and after blood tests was referred to breast institute to rule out cancer. After scans, I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in the bones, with lesions in thoracic, lumber and pelvic areas, and concern over the L1 vertebrae. All nerve tests were ok, but the pain kept moving around and getting worse.  Bone biopsy showed the same cancer that I’d had before, which is oestrogen positive, so I am taking Letrozole. I had to have dental work done before starting bone strengthening and Ribociclib.

I have ended up in hospital twice because of debilitating pain, and had opioid pain-killers increased, but didn’t seem to help much. Got fluid on the lungs which was frightening, but antibiotics sorted that without needing a chest drain. Constipation turned to diarrhoea and what they called ‘overflow’! I have NEVER been so ill! Saw the palliative care team at the hospital and they were brilliant. Still taking background Longtec, with an anti-inflammatory which seems to be keeping things under control. Had radiotherapy for the L1 vertebrae, and it seems to have stabilised things for me a bit.

Now well enough for Denosumab and Ribociclib to strengthen the bones and target the cancer. If pain is the main issue don’t hesitate to get palliative care team on board. I’m starting to return to more normal activity, with lots of rest, and feeling so much more positive. My husband is a star for the way he looks after me (he was already doing shopping and cooking-lucky me). They gave me steroids because they were worried about nerve problems, and they helped with the pain, which confused things a bit, like riding an emotional roller-coaster. Adapting to new ways of doing things, and coping much better.

Just about coming to terms with the changes in mobility, which were the hardest for me to handle emotionally. Lots of support from friends and family also appreciated.