When your doctor tells you that you have metastatic breast cancer, which means that it has spread to other parts of your body, it can be overwhelming and overwhelming. It's a lot to take in all at once. But don't worry. While it can't be cured, there are many effective treatments that can help control the progression of the disease and help you maintain a good quality of life. And because of advanced treatments, people are now able to live with the condition for much longer than before. So, to help you manage your treatment and life as you want, let's learn a little about this disease and what to expect.
How is this cancer different from others?
When you have early-stage cancer, the primary goal of treatment is to completely cure the cancer and prevent it from coming back.
However, the goal of treatment for stage IV breast cancer is a little different. Here, we aim to control the growth of the disease for as long as possible, with as few side effects and pain as possible.
With the advancement of medical science, experts hope that one day this cancer will be treated as a long-term, or "chronic," condition like diabetes. Then doctors will be able to control it for years, perhaps decades.
How do you choose the treatment that's right for you?
The doctor will consider several factors before prescribing treatment for you.
- Where in the body the cancer has spread
- The type of cancer cells you have
- Your symptoms
- What treatments you have received for breast cancer in the past?
- Your general health and age
- Your personal preference
It is only after considering all of this that the treatment plan that best suits you is determined.
The most important thing is, this is your decision. Your doctor will give you options that are right for you. Learn as much as you can about each option, be well-informed about the side effects, and make an informed decision.
Also, talk to your doctor about getting support from a palliative care team . Their main role is to help coordinate your treatment, help you decide what kind of care you need, and help you manage side effects.
What are the main treatments?
These treatments are used alone or in combination. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Treatment method | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Hormone Therapy | If your cancer is fueled by the hormones estrogen or progesterone, these drugs block the supply of hormones to the cancer cells, causing the tumor to shrink. |
| Anti-HER2 Targeted Treatment | Some cancer cells have too much of a protein called HER2, which makes them spread quickly. Drugs that target this protein can control the growth of the cancer. |
| Chemotherapy | These drugs kill not only cancer cells, but any rapidly dividing cells. One advantage of this is that tumors can shrink quickly. However, there are many side effects such as hair loss, vomiting, nausea, and extreme fatigue. This is given in cycles. After each cycle, the body is given a break. |
| Radiation and Surgery | These methods are used to treat cancer when it has spread to specific areas, such as the liver, bones, or brain. |
| Immunotherapy | This works by stimulating the body's own immune system to fight cancer. It is currently used in combination with chemotherapy for some 'Triple Negative' types of cancer. |
Your comfort is also very important. There are medications to help manage the symptoms, complications, and side effects of cancer treatment. Talk to your doctor about those too. You may be eligible for 'clinical trials'.Or you can participate in research-based trials. Every standard treatment we use today was first tested in these kinds of trials.
How do you know if the treatment is successful?
Every few months, you will have X-rays and other scans. These will check to see if the cancer has grown, shrunk, or stayed the same. You will also have a physical exam. Tell your doctor about any new symptoms you have.
Your doctor may order a blood test to look for something called 'tumor markers.' Some cancers release these markers into the blood. If the levels of these markers are high, it could mean that the cancer is growing or spreading.
Sometimes the cancer may not be visible on the scan. The doctor will say 'no evidence of disease' . That's good news, but it doesn't mean the cancer is completely gone. You still need to continue treatment because the cells may still be circulating in your body.
Can I take a break from treatment?
Yes, you can. You may need to take a break, especially if you are having a lot of trouble with the side effects.
Imagine that you have a special occasion coming up, like a wedding or a big birthday. This kind of rest will help you to enjoy such a special time. Talk to your doctor about this and make a decision.
How to stay physically and mentally healthy?
It's important to stay healthy both physically and mentally when living with cancer. While everyone is different, there are some common things that help most people. See if these can help you.
- Eat well, stay active: Do light exercise. Things like yoga can help you reduce your fatigue, reduce stress, and get better sleep.
- Get support from loved ones: Your friends and family are your greatest source of strength during your toughest times. Having a meal together, watching a movie together, etc. can help remind you that life is not just about cancer.
- Get support: Join a support group with people who have metastatic breast cancer like you. Talking to others can help you feel less alone. Talking to a professional counselor can also help you manage your emotions.
- Maintain spiritual strength: Talking to a religious leader you trust, a spiritual advisor, and staying connected to your beliefs can be a source of strength for you.
- Live in the present:Things like mindfulness meditation can help you relax by taking deep breaths. Take a few minutes a day to just focus on your breathing.
- Enjoy life: Take time to do things that bring you joy. Draw a picture. Dance to your favorite song. Watch the beautiful sunrise. Anything that brings a smile to your face is worth doing.
Take-Home Message
- 'Metastatic breast cancer' means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Although it cannot be completely cured, it can be controlled for a long time with treatment.
- The main goal of treatment is to control the progression of the disease and give you a good quality of life.
- There are many treatment options that may be right for you. Talk openly with your doctor about each one, including their pros and cons.
- Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Don't hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, and professional counselors.
- Always tell your doctor what you think about treatment, your wishes. You don't have to go through your journey alone.
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