Insights on Stage IV Breast Cancer
Posted 12/14/2010
Posted in
It can be more difficult to find news reports and materials that are helpful for women who are living with Stage IV/metastatic breast cancer. The general public focus is on early detection with the parallel assumption that finding it early always means a cure. Sadly, this is not the case. Some women are initially diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer and others experience a return of cancer at some point after their initial treatment. The "good" news is that many women now live for years after this more serious diagnosis, moving from one treatment to another.
This is a quote from the newest Living Beyond Breast Cancer (www.lbbc.org) newsletter. There are embedded links to read more:
Insights on Metastatic Breast Cancer
The latest issue of Insights on Metastatic Breast Cancer helps you understand the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's authority over approval of medicines for breast cancer treatment. On the eve of FDA's decision about the fate of bevacizumab (Avastin) for stage IV breast cancer, this article explores the controversy over the value of progression-free survival, surrogate endpoints and clinical benefits. Find out how the FDA ruling could impact access to bevacizumab, and visit our message boards to share your thoughts on what quality of life means to you.
Also in this issue: Lisa Marsella shares her perspective on why metastatic breast cancer is like a carnival, and in the poem "Hair," Darlene Barela Cooke explores her reactions to losing what she once considered her "best feature."
Debra's Story: Living THROUGH My Breast Cancer Timeline
"It's been HOW long?
Breast cancer sucks. Period. I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer when I was 35. My children were 9 months old and 3½ years old. I thought I was going to die. But I muddled through.
At 40 I was diagnosed with mets to bone. I thought I was going to die. But I battled through."
Debra is now 58. Read Debra's story.
Tags: