Hello everyone,
This is my first time on the Secondary Breast Cancer forum. I joined as I am hoping to hear from others who are in a similar situation to me, specifically for positive words that I can enjoy life for longer than a few more years.
I originally had breast cancer 24 years ago and had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, FEC chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Zoledex injections for 2 years and Tamoxifen tablets for 5 years. I recently had my usual 3 yearly mammogram which came back all clear. Then a few months later, devastatingly, I was diagnosed with Incurable Secondary Breast Cancer. The cancer is in my right lung and a tiny dot in L3 of my spine. In my oncologist consultants opinion, he says the cancer returned 19 years ago when I finished the original treatment and has been very slowly growing since then. Who knows if he is right, but I have been told it is rare for the breast cancer to return after such a long period.
I am now taking Ribociclib 400mg, Letrozole 2.5mg, Ibandronic Acid tablets and Adcal-D3 tablets. Also, Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid). I did not know I had this (over 7 years ago) i.e. no symptoms (picked up on an annual blood test review). However, I have learnt recently it is due to the original cancer treatment I had 24 years ago!
It is early days and all my oncologist consultant has said so far, is my life expectancy is measured in months and years, rather than weeks and months.
I would really like hear from others who are in a similar situation i.e. the breast cancer has returned after a long time and how long they have been taking the treatments e.g. 1 year, 8 years, etc. Any similar information would be much appreciated, if you would be kind enough to share your experience with me.
Thank you in advance.
