r/cancer • u/exceptyoustay • Jul 11 '25

Patient They gave me 1-2 years

I’m devastated. In 2023 I finished treatment for stage 3 breast cancer. I did everything: double mastectomy, radiation, chemo, etc.

Today I found out it’s in my bones, liver, and lungs.

I have an 8 month old baby girl.

I can’t believe this.

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81

u/edbash Jul 11 '25

Some things that others may not say: Sounds like you are going to be very busy. The longer you survive, the better for your child. You also need to make plans for your child’s future—including pictures, letters for later, etc.. You have to continue to be emotionally involved with your baby, so there is not much space to be depressed & withdrawn. Same goes for your husband. The baby is a reason to take care of yourself, be tough, and survive as long as you can. I wish you well on your journey.

52

u/Vast-Marionberry-824 Jul 11 '25

I would also add in the need to get a second opinion - a fresh set of eyes by a major cancer hospital and consideration of possible new treatments 💔🙏♥️

47

u/Rude_Meet2799 Jul 12 '25

Dana Farber did a genetic analysis of biopsy tissue taken in my home state. They found a weak spot in the genetic code and designed chemo/immunotherapy to exploit that weakness. Medicare paid for it

11

u/billyvnilly pathologist-Not medical advice, only opinions Jul 12 '25

Every commercial can do that these days. I'm hopeful that OP has already had next generation sequencing and additional tests for her stage 4 disease.

25

u/Rude_Meet2799 Jul 12 '25

I’m old. When I was a kid cancer was a death sentence. I’m so thankful for how far the medical research has pushed this.

6

u/Vast-Marionberry-824 Jul 12 '25

@ Rude-Meet. Ain’t that the truth 🙏

17

u/Crazy_Tourist_7817 Jul 12 '25

You’re absolutely right that next generation sequencing (NGS) is becoming more common and valuable. I’d just add that in cases like this, especially with stage 3 or 4 disease, a full whole genome or exome sequencing (WGS or WES) can sometimes reveal vulnerabilities that standard NGS panels miss. Even if nothing actionable is found today, the data can be reanalyzed as research advances. There is a very real chance that within the next year, a new therapeutic target or mutation specific treatment could emerge based on findings from broader sequencing. It is not just about helping future patients… it can make a real difference for current ones too.

1

u/MysteriousSet521 Jul 14 '25

Are you talking about the GALLERI genetic testing for cancer?

1

u/No_Interview_2481 Jul 14 '25

I’m wondering if that’s what they did for me. My genetic testing had me in the 90th percentile. All I know is my oncologist told me he would be happy if I came back at 1% and here I was at 90%. After two years of immunotherapy for stage four metastatic lung cancer which has spread to my liver, I am cancer free. It’s amazing what research can do for us today?

1

u/MysteriousSet521 Jul 14 '25

Is that a person or are you talking about the cancer Institute?

1

u/Rude_Meet2799 Jul 14 '25

Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

1

u/PsychologyOk8722 Jul 15 '25

The Dana Farber Cancer Institute was named for its founder, Sidney Farber, and Charles Dana, an industrialist who contributed a great deal of money to Dr. Farber.