Introducing Barbara!
In her own words, metastatic breast cancer survivor Barb recounts her story for us. Read about it below:
My first encounter with breast cancer occurred in 2001. I was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer in my right breast. Subsequently, I had a lumpectomy followed by 6 weeks of radiation. I was able to continue working throughout my treatments.
All was well until Christmas eve day in 2009. I had recently had a mammogram followed by a CT scan and biopsy. My doctor had said he would call me with the results. He had given me his cell phone number. Being impatient to hear my fate, I called him. He reluctantly returned my call to confirm that I did have a malignant tumor in my left breast that he classified as late stage 2/early stage 3.
After returning from visiting our family for the holidays, I began my treatments.
I had chemotherapy every two weeks for 16 weeks followed by a bilateral mastectomy (my choice) and 6 weeks of radiation. It was quite a different experience than my first encounter. I was tired from the chemo, napping a lot and doing maybe one chore a day. The surgery went well; I was hospitalized overnight. Fortunately, I had opted for a bilateral mastectomy since after the surgery, we learned that I had a tumor in my right breast that hadn’t yet been diagnosed. Following my recovery from radiation, the doctor prescribed oral chemo medication that I would be taking for the next 10 years. In all, it took just about a year for me to feel fully recovered.
I no longer got mammograms. However, I did continue to see my oncologist and my breast surgeon regularly. All indications pointed to my success at defeating cancer once again.
In March 2019, two things happened. My oncologist had already taken me off the oral medication, saying that I had benefited as much as I was going to from its efficacy. At my regular appointment, he said that he would see me in a year instead of four months as had been the case. I was ecstatic! Shortly after that appointment, I developed a persistent pain in my back. I thought it was probably a pulled muscle, but when it didn’t resolve, I spoke about it with my primary care physician. He thought it might be a compression fracture and ordered x-rays. As a result of the x-ray, he referred me to a specialist who subsequently ordered an MRI. Upon getting the results, he called and advised me to make an appointment with my oncologist due to my previous history with breast cancer. Apparently, the MRI showed additional lesions on my spine.
My treatments for my current condition began almost immediately. The doctor prescribed an oral medication, Ibrance. He also prescribed a series of monthly injections – Xgeva and Faslodex. After several changes in dosage and scheduling the Ibrance, I continue to maintain the prescribed medications. As of this date, my subsequent scans have shown my condition to be stable. Fortunately, I am able to maintain an active lifestyle.
What does that mean? The reality is that my condition is treatable but not curable. I will be on these medications as long as they continue to be effective. How long will that be? We don’t know. What will happen when they stop working? The oncologist says we’ll go to Plan B, whatever that might be. In the meantime, I try to maintain a positive outlook. I try to make every day count.
In 2011, a friend and I started a cancer support group. We were looking for a way to acknowledge the incredible support that I had during my journey and to pay it forward. We started with about six members; that number has grown to almost 30. We meet monthly and focus our energy on helping others diagnosed with cancer, either directly or by collaborating with and supporting organizations such as Going Beyond the Pink. We have recently developed a web page, pinkladiesofsunsetbeach.org. I write a blog about my personal journey with metastatic breast cancer, adding a new entry every 4-6 weeks.
My advice to someone recently diagnosed with breast cancer includes the following.
Know that in most cases breast cancer is curable.
Learn as much as you can about your diagnosis and be sure to ask any questions that you have about your treatment options. If possible, have someone accompany you to your appointments. Two sets of ears are better than one.
Do not feel the need to travel your journey alone. Let your family and friends help you as you navigate the uncertainties of your journey.
Maintain a positive attitude as you travel your journey to wellness. It does make a difference.
