I was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 1994. It was DCIS. I had a mastectomy and reconstruction and was able to move on. In 1999 after a routine mammography and ultrasound and biopsy I was told I now had invasive breast cancer in my other breast. So once again I had a mastectomy and reconstruction and this time I had chemo every 3 weeks for 6 months. After chemo I was prescribed Tamoxifen for a five year period. And for another five years I took Femara.
So for the next 15 years I went about happily living my life. In the Fall of 2013 while on vacation I experienced an occasional pain in my breast. Upon return and during a routine physical checkup, I mentioned this to the doctor. He sent me first for a chest x-Ray to play it safe. Well that showed something "suspicious". Next I had a cat scan and consequently a pet scan. I was sent to a lung surgeon who removed a wedge sized spot in my lung. And was I shocked to hear it was a breast cancer that had metastasized to my lung.
The oncologist I saw told me I now have Stage 4 Breast Cancer. After a series of tests I was started on a 12 week course of chemo. The first treatment was difficult as I had an allergic reaction to Taxol.
Instead of the Taxol I now receive Abraxane every week and Herceptin and Perjeta every third week. I just completed my seventh treatment this week.
The fact that I now have a Stage 4 diagnosis is scary for me but I am determined to beat this and live a long happy life with the help of God.
Cliffside Park, NJ