Mets to Pleura
in October 2018 when I was 34, I was diagnosed with stage I/II IDC ER/PR+ HER2- low oncotype and ki67 and so went through lumpectomy, radiation, tamoxifen for five years. It was a large tumor near my chest wall, but due to the pathology report + oncotype oncologist said my outcome would be very similar with / without chemo so we opted for no chemo.
In Nov/Dec 2024 I stopped tamoxifen and since it was my first year off my oncologist decided that I should have my annual mammogram in October but then have an MRI in April so I have some form of a scan in 6 months rather than after a year. Thankful for this MRI since it picked up fluid around my lung and so went for PET scan. Again PET scan showed pleura effusion on my right lung and slightly collapsed with mild SUV uptake. Till that point I had zero symptoms other than feeling unusually out of shape when working out / hiking. I got transferred to a pulmonologist to get a VATS pleura removal + biopsy (surgery just over a week ago) and the results are now out - pleura has similar characteristics as my original tumor putting me officially at stage IV. Can I also add the vats is bloody painful - didn’t expect that I feel like lumpectomy was easier!
I’m grateful for my oncologist who wanted me to keep checking although he told on paper it doesn’t make sense for me to have Mets given my original non-aggressive tumor. But the appearance of fluid bothers him and he wanted to make sure so he connected me with his pulmonologist friend.
But it still sucks. It’s also scary. I’m the minority that got Mets.. yes with Mets prognosis isn’t always bad, but given my luck with this recurrence I can’t help not think that I might not beat the odds. I cry just looking at my kids hoping that I can at least see them into early adulthood. I’m hoping after my appt tomorrow with the oncologist to determine the way forward I’ll feel better.
Not sure what the point of my post is. Maybe a bit of just putting it all out there. Anyway, if you know of any positive stories of cases like mine pls share.
Comments
-
I had breast cancer right chest in 2015. 7.5 years later I had pleural mets. One thing I learned is the more fluid they take out the easier a thoracentisis is. I have been one Ibrance and hormone blockers for 2.5 years and doing well. The one thing I have learned about cancer is there are no guarantees. I was told I was cured in 2020. Hang in there once you get started on treatment things will hopefully get better. Do not google pleural effusion. The information is out of date and you will get more upset.
1 -
I do not have lung Mets, so I can’t say I know how you feel. But recently dx with stage 4, 18 years after my original dx I understand the shock and confusion. Dr google will give you contradictory information, since treatments have improved so much. Old articles or studies do not apply. For example I had radiation 18 years ago, and was told no more radiation. But in that time new technology came along, and I have been able to get targeted radiation to the very large tumor in my chest wall which is laying on my lung and heart. This will benefit me, it is hoped, with more time than would have been possible without new technology.
Try not to get ahead of yourself, and listen to your doctor who knows your situation. 2 months after dx, and in the middle of radiation and associated side effects, I try very hard not to ruin today with worries or fear of what MIGHT happen tomorrow.
Best wishes
0
