Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Today is Metastatic Breast Cancer Day. I’m celebrating at chemo. Ugh. (Getting Zometa today. YUCK.) A lot of people don’t really know what metastatic breast cancer is. I certainly didn’t until I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have family members who don’t really get it. Now that I am NED, they think I’m cured, and they keep asking when I’ll be done with treatment. I don’t mind that they don’t get it; some people may not want to face the facts about my metastatic breast cancer. Like I said, I didn’t know what it was myself. But it is still hard for me to say I’ll never be done with treatment or I’ll be on treatment for the rest of my life. I’m so grateful for the treatment, but I know my life is dependent on it. I noticed “the bell” at chemo today. It is new. I thought maybe we wouldn’t have one at this new office, and I was totally fine with that. I am usually OK with cancer “stuff,” but the bell is hard for me. I know I’ll never get to ring it, and I worry it gives false hope to survivors. But all we have is hope, and I’d never take that from anyone. I am genuinely happy for everyone getting to ring the bell, but it does bring tears to my eyes every time I hear it. I’ve seen others cry when they hear the bell ring, too, and then I know they have metastatic cancer, too.
My husband surprised me the other day. He asked me how I felt about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. He didn’t want any reminders of his cancer, and he got rid of everything having to do with colon cancer in our house once he was done with treatment. I like the awareness this month brings to breast cancer, and I hope all the fuss saves lots of lives. Plus, it makes me feel connected to those who have been through what I’ve been through. But I know that some people really have trouble or really dislike all the pink and all the fuss, all the reminders — especially those with metastatic breast cancer. So, I’m glad there is a Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day during Breast Cancer Awareness Month so that it brings awareness to those who have had breast cancer but now face something quite different. Having metastatic cancer is an entirely different fight, and people need to be aware of it whether it is so they can be sensitive to those who have it or whether they can support and be the best caregivers for their loved ones who are living with it. To me, there are even different “stages” of having metastatic breast cancer. Right now, I’m thriving. I’m just learning how to live with this disease. But as it progresses, it will be more difficult to thrive. Thanks to the attention and the awareness that metastatic breast cancer has gotten, there are treatments that are helping me and many women thrive longer. And for that, I am forever grateful. Keep ‘em coming!