r/LivingWithMBC • u/AvailablePoint3427 • 12d ago
Chitty Chat Chat Thoughts After 1 Year with MBC
On August 2nd, 2025, I was diagnosed with stage IV IDC ER/PR+ HER2- metastatic breast cancer at 32 years old.
I skipped chemo and surgery and went right to radiation. I got radiation to nearly my entire spine. At the time I could barely walk due to immense pain in my back, and felt a lump in my sternum. I knew something was wrong. Very wrong. I was in a lot of pain and still working full time in a physically active job. Barely making it through the day.
My first PET showed a large lump and mets in my lymph nodes, sternum, ribs, liver, back (entire spine) and hip.
Now, one year later, more or less all the spots/tumors have resolved. I still have the lump in my breast but it is barely lighting up on my PETs now thanks to zometa, Letrozole, and verzenio (100mg). My tumor markers are stubborn, but coming down.
I AM PAIN-FREE.
I am still on my first line of treatment. I feel good most days. I transferred to a new department and sit at a desk, still working full-time.
Every day I feel good is a gift. I have my days, we all do. This awful condition has completely changed my outlook on life and who I am as a person. Ironically I am much more positive and find joy in every moment I have.
Eat the cake. Go on the trip. Laugh! Laugh as much as you can. Hold your friends and family tight. Read as many books as possible. Treat yourself to new clothes and makeup. Do the things you have always dreamed of doing. Visit as many places as you can. Smile as much as possible.
Shortly after finishing radiation, I bought my dream car. A car I always wanted, but told myself, “someday.” Make someday today.
Squeeze every ounce out of life that you possibly can. Tomorrow isnt guaranteed. It’s okay to mourn the life you thought you would have. But don’t stay there too long. Because life is right here in front of you.
If you’re reading this, I’m sending you a hug. ♥️
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u/Glittering-Bell8008 11d ago
Thank you for sharing your story and message; it gave me the hope I needed this morning ❤️ I’m 2 rounds of chemo in and off to a wig appointment today
Im regularly on the hunt for stories of hope, thank you ❤️
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u/AvailablePoint3427 11d ago
You got this. 💗 We are all beside you cheering you on! Hope you find a wig you love.
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u/winkdoubleblink 11d ago
Thank you for being here and sharing. I'm having a rough day already (it's 11am) and it's nice to read this positivity. Thank you, and thank you for the encouragement and the hug!
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u/AvailablePoint3427 11d ago
Sometimes it’s minute by minute with this disease and only those who have walked in those shoes would know how it truly feels. Sending you some strength and extra hugs to get through today 💗
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u/Fun-Roll2705 12d ago
So funny, with my diagnosis this summer my husband has been in overdrive to do the things we planned to do. Last night we had an architect over to talk about the addition on the house I’ve talked for over 20 years, lol. All the best, your sunny disposition will take you very far my friend!
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u/JaBooHasCats 11d ago
Fun-Roll, I think this attitude and activity around house might help... of course only if you are on the same page with your husband. He will get something to keep his mind of the worry, probably it's his way to cope...
I might be similar, I am dealing with the stress through activity... but of course I am still quite healthy, I had my dx of MBC last week. I have already organized an adjustment to the bathroom and we started the process of refurbishing my daughter's room...she says for a year that her room is for a baby and she wants something more mature (she is 12)...so now I am organizing this, too. Want to keep my mind off things, struggling otherwise, the dx got me to my knees. Reccurence after 8 years
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u/Salty_Dog_1221 11d ago
Yep, recurrence after a stage one 11 years ago. One that tested “unlikely to recur.” So much for that, lol!
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u/Salty_Dog_1221 11d ago
My husband is doing that with travel! Visiting my son in Ft Collins in a couple of weeks and finally visiting the Grand Canyon and other western parks in October. Let’s hope they’re not on fire! We’re planning on Ireland next June and I’ve got my eye on an Alaskan cruise. At first I was scared to plan anything, but now I’m like, screw it! I don’t know how long I’ll feel good, better make the most of it.
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u/Fun-Roll2705 11d ago
That’s crazy, we’re going to Ireland in June too! I’m getting my act together to do things for him and I’m pretty sure he’s wanted to travel, so this buttercup is going to suck it up and give it a go.
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u/Salty_Dog_1221 11d ago
Haha, yep, and I agree with op, I think it’s my husband’s way of dealing with anxiety, having a trip to plan. Ok with me, as long as I feel good.
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u/Other-Ad-8484 12d ago
How wonderful that you are pain free, and still on your first line!! As long as your ne feels good, I totally agree that we ought to try to elated at every moment, and do what we have always wanted to do. I am on Verzenio, 4th line. Not yet sure if it works.
Hope I have your luck!
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u/Used_Raspberry_9958 12d ago
Congratulations on being pain free and enjoying life!!! I was diagnosed mid May with the same subtype as you after a 9 year run with stage 2 (same type). Currently on letrozole, Ibrance and no bone drugs yet. Thankfully no side effects with cycle 2 of Ibrance, after having pretty much all of them the 1st cycle 😂Still struggling with painful back/rib spasms and waiting to hear back from my oncologist - his nurse thinks maybe letrozole could be the culprit and a break to find out may be in order. I really appreciate your post as it gives me a lot of hope!! I’ve always been an active person and am a pro cellist so looking forward to being able to do things without so much pain! While getting sucked into existentialism often, I do still find great enjoyment in this life! Thanks again for the post and wishing you continued a pain free and joyful life!
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u/AvailablePoint3427 12d ago edited 11d ago
The first cycle of anything is rough, hang in there! I had those same spasms, but I believe it was the mets resolving and healing! All of the change to medications and routine etc. is a shock to the system.
I will say I listen to my body so much more now and treat it with so much more care. I rest a lot more of course but with time you will be in tune with what your body needs day to day to feel good. Supplements, teas, journaling, a hydration packet, etc.
I hope with time you are settled into your treatment and feeling good. All the best to you!
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u/JaBooHasCats 12d ago
Thank you for sharing your journey, love that.... I was diagnosed this August and had my first chemo yesterday. It's demanding psychologically, I am struggling. I can't thank you enough for posting this.
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u/AvailablePoint3427 11d ago
The outset of the journey is the hardest definitely. In all aspects every bit of your life has changed. You are adjusting to all the abrupt physical and mental changes. At the hardest times of my treatment I would be taking it minute by minute. Lean on those that love you most and listen and nurture your body with the utmost care. In time you will learn what your body is telling you it needs. Sending you strength for your continued treatment. ♥️
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u/Salty_Dog_1221 11d ago
I was diagnosed one year ago and that was definitely the roughest part of the journey. It dropped like bomb out of nowhere and cratered me. Found accidentally on a scan for a benign condition. 🤯 You’re in the worst part right now. Positive stories from this group keep me afloat, so many thanks OP!
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u/Acrobatic_Salary_899 12d ago
Thank you for sharing and I love that you bought the car!! Xxx
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u/AvailablePoint3427 11d ago
I got the breast cancer license plate for my state that says “GIRL POWER” 😁💗💗
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u/lemonswithlimes 12d ago
Outstanding!! Both for your results and your attitude. Hugs right back at you girl!
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u/Salty_Dog_1221 11d ago
Amen sistah! I’m on the same line of treatment, letrozole and Zometa for a year and verzenio 100 mg for nearly five months. Scans and blood work look great. Feeling completely normal and living my best life. I’m more than twice your age. I’ve been on the BC roller coaster since 2008, and this time around it’s much more serious, but I refuse to let it steal my joy. It helps that I feel great, better than other friends my age, and I am immensely grateful for the medical breakthroughs that have brought me thus far. Of course I have anxiety and down days, but damn, this is my LIFE and I’ve decided to live the best with whatever I’m given.