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Having Metastatic Cancer
Despite a grim diagnosis, I still have hope and joy in my life
Over 20 years ago I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. This was the first time I was diagnosed with cancer, but unfortunately not the last.
About 3 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer that had migrated to my brain, lungs, and liver.
The 5 year survival rate for those who have had metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the brain is only 1.51%. Once the cancer has metastasized to the brain, someone will live between 3 months to 3 years. The length of time depends on when they caught the disease and how far it spread.
In my case, because it was several months before I was diagnosed, and the metastases were in several locations, the surgeon told me my prognosis was more likely at the lower end of that scale.
However, I am still here.
I believe there are several reasons I am still here:
- I take an active role in my treatment. I don’t just do what my doctor tells me. I consult with them but also do my own research and make my own decisions for my own body. However, I know people who prefer to just follow doctor’s orders. And that is also fine. It’s your body after all.
- At the same time, I…
