Having Metastatic Cancer

Over 20 years ago I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. This was the first time I was diagnosed with cancer, but unfortunately not the last.

About 3 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer that had migrated to my brain, lungs, and liver.

The 5 year survival rate for those who have had metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the brain is only 1.51%. Once the cancer has metastasized to the brain, someone will live between 3 months to 3 years. The length of time depends on when they caught the disease and how far it spread.

In my case, because it was several months before I was diagnosed, and the metastases were in several locations, the surgeon told me my prognosis was more likely at the lower end of that scale.

However, I am still here.

I believe there are several reasons I am still here:

I take an active role in my treatment. I don’t just do what my doctor tells me. I consult with them but also do my own research and make my own decisions for my own body. However, I know people who prefer to just follow doctor’s orders. And that is also fine. It’s your body after all.
At the same time, I try to continue to be there for others. When I pray, as I discuss here, I pray for others and not just myself.
This leads up to my next point — I am a Christian. That means I believe that Christ has the power to heal me. Doctors are limited. Christ is not.
To be clear that does NOT mean He always answers “yes” when you ask for something. He is not Santa Claus. However, He loves us and carries us through the roughest times.
I have supportive people in my life. I am part of a community. This is not just people in my church, but neighbors and friends, many of whom do not share my faith. But we love each other whatever our beliefs.
I try to take good care of myself physically. I exercise most days, varying my workouts. I eat consciously. I try to get enough sleep.
I try to take care of myself emotionally. I keep people in my life who are positive and avoid negative influences. I give myself space when I need it, which means I tell people when I need to rest and can’t be social.
I try to care for myself intellectually. I play mind games such as Duolingo or puzzles so that help keep my mind active. I read books I enjoy and have interesting discussions with people.
I try to care for myself spiritually, both in private communications with God and in communal interactions with Him.
I try to get along with others. There is nothing that saps energy more than conflict.

As I shared recently — the chemo I’d had in the past no longer works. I haven’t given up though. I still have hope.

I am fighting stage IV cancer. If you can help with medical bills, I would really appreciate it. Or if you enjoy my writing and would like to buy me a cup of coffee, that’s great too. Maybe someday I can return the favor.

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This post was previously published on Shefali O’Hara’s blog.

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