Join Now
Sign In
What advice do you give to other women just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer?
Topic Tags:
Topic Tags:
Diseases:
Diseases:
Answer Summary
2
Shared Experiences
CJ (Current Patient) - 05 / 22 / 2012
1 vote(s) by
murray
CATCH YOUR BREATH: Expect to be both shocked and devastated. Catch your breath. Go outside in the fresh air and breathe deeply. I know that this feels like your worst nightmare. It feels like life is over. IT IS NOT. True, you do not know how much time you have, but you DO know that you have more than today ... more than this week ... more than this month. Take one step at a time.
THIS WAS NOT YOUR FAULT: It did not happen because of something you did or did not do. It just happened ... just like it does to 10s of 1,000s of Americans every year.
MEDICAL TEAM: Give careful thought to your medical team. You need people you can trust, who listen to you and are willing to work with you AND who specialize specifically in breast cancer AND who, preferably, are located at a teaching university hospital. While you must be able to be comfortable with, and like, your oncologist, you must also realize that you now have a very serious condition. You need the best care possible and if you are within commuting distance of a university hospital, go there. If not, review the most recent listing of the best cancer hospitals in the USA (check out NIH recommendations at: http://www.cancer.gov/researchandfunding/extramural/cancercenters). Find the one closest to you and be seen there if possible. If that isn't possible, check with your local American Cancer Society for their recommendation, but also consider traveling to one of the NIH-recommended facilities for a second opinion every time you have a change in your cancer.
FIND FRIENDS WHO UNDERSTAND: Finding other people with MBC to talk to is informative, comforting and offers a sense of security. Check out the "support" section at www.metavivor.org. There is also a list of local MBC support programs under "support" at www.mbcn.org. You can also join online discussion boards and chat lines. On Facebook search on "meta" and select "The New Closed Metastatic (Advanced) Breast Cancer Support Group". Also try bcmets.org orhttp://www.inspire.com/groups/advanced-breast-cancer/. Cancercare.org also has a telephone support program. Find what works for you.
MOVE FORWARD: We cannot turn back the clock ... so we must adjust and move forward. Your life will be different, but you can still find enjoyment and happiness. Set up your medical team. Decide on treatment. Start treatment. Look for support. Soon you will get into a new routine ... be making new friends ... and things will begin to fall into place. It DOES get better. Believe that.
THIS WAS NOT YOUR FAULT: It did not happen because of something you did or did not do. It just happened ... just like it does to 10s of 1,000s of Americans every year.
MEDICAL TEAM: Give careful thought to your medical team. You need people you can trust, who listen to you and are willing to work with you AND who specialize specifically in breast cancer AND who, preferably, are located at a teaching university hospital. While you must be able to be comfortable with, and like, your oncologist, you must also realize that you now have a very serious condition. You need the best care possible and if you are within commuting distance of a university hospital, go there. If not, review the most recent listing of the best cancer hospitals in the USA (check out NIH recommendations at: http://www.cancer.gov/researchandfunding/extramural/cancercenters). Find the one closest to you and be seen there if possible. If that isn't possible, check with your local American Cancer Society for their recommendation, but also consider traveling to one of the NIH-recommended facilities for a second opinion every time you have a change in your cancer.
FIND FRIENDS WHO UNDERSTAND: Finding other people with MBC to talk to is informative, comforting and offers a sense of security. Check out the "support" section at www.metavivor.org. There is also a list of local MBC support programs under "support" at www.mbcn.org. You can also join online discussion boards and chat lines. On Facebook search on "meta" and select "The New Closed Metastatic (Advanced) Breast Cancer Support Group". Also try bcmets.org orhttp://www.inspire.com/groups/advanced-breast-cancer/. Cancercare.org also has a telephone support program. Find what works for you.
MOVE FORWARD: We cannot turn back the clock ... so we must adjust and move forward. Your life will be different, but you can still find enjoyment and happiness. Set up your medical team. Decide on treatment. Start treatment. Look for support. Soon you will get into a new routine ... be making new friends ... and things will begin to fall into place. It DOES get better. Believe that.
member7087 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 05 / 21 / 2012
I am a 5 year survivor of breast cancer. I have had it twice. The most important thing to advise a woman is that it is not a death sentence anymore. The treatments are not as harsh as they once were. I had herceptin, and 3 rounds of 7 drugs and radiation. I was never seriously ill, only lethargic. My legs ached for a while with taxol. I never threw up. I got dressed everyday and considered myself to be on a wellness path. Tell a woman her perspective changes her experience and her body chemistry.
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Breast Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
Breast Cancer
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
