Awaiting results for stage 4 mets to liver and lung
Hello All. I was diagnosed with stage 3 BC 16 years ago and had mastectomy, chemo and radiation. Have been in survivorship program for 15 years. Persistent cough took me to Er last week - CT showed multiple lesions in my lung and liver - dr thinks it is metastatic spread to organs. Had a liver biopsy yesterday. Awaiting results.
What should I expect now? What tests have been recommended to ladies in a similar situation? Didn’t have immunotherapy 15 years ago - please enlighten with new approaches so I can ask my oncologist same questions.
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@rink23 I'm really sorry you're having to go through this. The biopsy should show what kind of breast cancer it is and that will determine treatment. You might also want to request a more thorough genetic test (ie. Signatera, Tempus) to see if there is any relevant genetic expression that might be driving your cancer. Some kinds of breast cancer mean rounds of chemo. Others mean that you start with an oral treatment. You will know when you talk to your oncologist. Until you know what kind of cancer it is, you won't know quite how to proceed, but there are many here with triple negative, ER+, HER2+, etc, who can give advice then.
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@rink23 I am so sorry for your ordeal. As @tougholdcrow said, comprehensive testing is essential for determining the best treatment plan. Once you know the results and have the plan in place, it is one day at a time and one foot in front of the other. And this amazing forum is here to share experiences and offer advice and… a shoulder to cry on.
I am wishing you strength.
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The biospsy confirmed GATA3 , TSRP 1 levels indicating breast origin so definitely mets from breast cancer. It is also 95%+ er,10% Pr and Her -
The biopsy doesn’t mention any other genetic expression. Will be getting a PET, ECHO soon and seeing Onc this week.
Should I ask her to do these genetic tests? Signateta/ Tempus?
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Hi @rink23,
Sending hugs as we are so sorry to hear of this metastatic recurrence. We know you'll find great resources and support here — we're all here for you!
First, we've moved your post to the Just Diagnosed with a Recurrence or Metastasis forum to better help you get some more responses.
Second, asking your doctor for a liquid biopsy (such as a Signatera test) is a good idea since the more they can figure out about the unique characteristics of the cancer, the better they can figure out how to treat it. You can read more here:
Liquid Biopsy: What Is It and When Is It Used for Breast Cancer?
In addition our Lung Mets and Liver Mets threads will be helpful in getting some insight from others' experiences with treatment and living with this diagnosis.
Also, we invite you to join us in one of our weekly Virtual Support Groups for metastatic disease — we have wonderful groups of women always willing to offer immeasurable advice, assurance, tips, and encouragement while you figure out your treatment plan. We hope you'll join us.
Sorry you had to join the club that no one wants to be a part of — but we're so glad you've found us.
—The Mods
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Confirmed breast cancer mets to liver (extensive),lungs and bones(pelvis, sternum). Starting Enhertu tomorrow because of my symptoms. Stage 4 BC
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Hi @rink23, we're so sorry this is what the scans showed. Starting Enhertu right away can feel scary, but many here have been on it and are ready to share their experiences and tips. The thread Anyone starting brand drug, Enhertu? could also be a good place for you to connect.
Please keep checking in and let everyone know how you’re doing, you're not alone!
Thinking of you as treatment begins.
Warmly,
The Mods
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@rink23 So sorry to hear this news. As the mods say, do seek out the threads that will have much wisdom on side effects of treatment, etc.
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