If you have stage 4 breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, you may worry about the future, not just for yourself but also for your loved ones. You may feel a rollercoaster of emotions, from stress and sorrow to fear and frustration. Feeling anxious or hopeless is also common for many men and women coping with this disease.
New Hope Unlimited understands that this journey is overwhelmed with uncertainty, challenges, and emotions. This tell-all FAQ page hopes to provide compassionate guidance and support by answering the commonly asked questions about living with advanced breast cancer. Whether you’re a patient, a best friend, a family member, or a caregiver, knowing what to expect may help you navigate this path with greater confidence, hope, and strength. You are not alone, and there are resources and communities prepared to support you every step of the way.
What is stage IV breast cancer?
“Stage four” is the most advanced form of any malignancy (cancer). In breast cancer, stage four means the disease has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs or areas of the body. Common sites for metastasis include the bones, liver, lungs, and brain.
What is it like to live with metastatic breast cancer?
Living with stage four breast cancer involves managing a complex array of physical, emotional, and mental challenges. The experience varies depending on where cancer cells have spread, the patient’s treatment response, overall health, and the availability of resources and care options.
Physical symptoms
Common symptoms of bone metastasis include:
- Bone pain, which can feel like a dull ache that intensifies at night or a sudden sharp pain
- Fragile bones, often prone to fractures
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Bowel incontinence
- Urinary incontinence
- Hypercalcemia, or high calcium in the blood, can cause vomiting, nausea, constipation, and mental confusion
Common symptoms of liver metastasis include:
- Decreased appetite
- Fever and sweating
- Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Discomfort or pain in the abdomen’s upper right side
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hepatic encephalopathy, which can cause confusion, drowsiness, and even a coma
Common symptoms of lung metastasis include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Persistent coughing, often with blood-tinged mucus
- Discomfort or pain in the chest
- Frequent chest infections
Common symptoms of brain metastasis include:
- Severe or persistent headaches that may worsen in the morning
- Neurological symptoms, including seizures, dizziness, vision problems, or unexplainable changes in personality and cognition
- Changes in coordination or balance
- Weakness or numbness in different parts of the body
Emotional and mental effects
Being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer impacts emotional and mental well-being. Many patients experience anxiety and fear when thinking about their prognosis, symptoms, treatment side effects, and the future. Depression is also common. Some patients struggle with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed recreations, and suicidality.
In addition, the mental effects of metastatic breast cancer can include cognitive changes, often referred to as “chemo brain.” Patients may experience memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, and mental fogginess. These symptoms can interfere with daily life. Fatigue exacerbates these cognitive issues, making it difficult to maintain physical and mental energy.
How long can you live with stage 4 breast cancer?
Depending on the severity of the disease, the treatments undertaken, and specific health factors, some patients may live for one to two years after a diagnosis, while others may survive up to ten years or more with stage four breast cancer. Furthermore, according to SEER data, the five-year relative survival rate for individuals diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer is 31%.
While survival rates for metastatic breast cancer are lower than earlier stages, advancements in treatments have improved outcomes.
What are the treatments for advanced breast cancer?
Systemic therapy is the primary treatment for stage IV breast cancer. They address cancer cells throughout the body. These therapies include:
- Hormone therapy: Blocks or lower estrogen in hormone receptor-positive cancers.
- Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.
- Targeted therapy: Focuses on specific molecules involved in malignant growth, including HER2-positive cancers.
- Immunotherapy: Enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.
In some cases, localized treatment options can help manage certain symptoms or reduce tumor burden:
- Surgery: Some doctors may recommend surgery to remove a tumor causing significant symptoms.
- Radiation therapy: Targets areas where cancer cells have spread to reduce pain or other symptoms.
Complementary therapies can also enhance quality of life:
- Acupuncture: Manages pain and alleviates chemotherapy side effects like nausea.
- Herbal supplements: Turmeric and green tea extract are examples of herbs believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Mind-body practices: Yoga, meditation, and tai chi may help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
- Nutritional therapy: A diet plan combatting cancer’s favorite fuel sources minimizes the risk of malnutrition and supports overall health.
Patients need to discuss these treatments with a licensed healthcare provider to ensure safety and compatibility with their medical regimen.
How can you manage symptoms and side effects?
Treatments for stage 4 breast cancer can cause various side effects. Conventional approaches like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, specifically, may trigger the following:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Neuropathy
- Bone marrow suppression
- Cognitive changes (also called “chemo brain”)
Please read The Irony of Breast Cancer Treatments for a detailed guide to common side effects.
Some strategies to manage symptoms and side effects include:
Is stage IV breast cancer considered terminal?
Advanced breast cancer is not curable and can be terminal. However, as mentioned, specific health factors and treatment developments can improve a patient’s outlook. Mortality rates are already down by 58% from 1975 to 2019.
How do you cope with a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis?
1. Build a Solid Support System
The advantages of having a strong support system include:
- Emotional comfort: Having a circle with whom to share feelings and experiences can reduce or even eliminate feelings of isolation by providing emotional relief. Knowing that others understand and care can be incredibly comforting during difficult times.
- Helpful assistance: Loved ones can help with daily tasks, medical appointments, and treatment management, reducing the patient’s stress and allowing them to focus more on their recovery.
- Mental health support: Access to professional counseling and therapy can help patients process their thoughts and emotions, develop coping techniques, and manage anxiety, depression, and cancer-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Therapists can offer strategies to handle negative feelings and maintain an optimistic outlook.
- Information and advocacy: A good support system can help research treatment options, digest medical information, and make educated decisions. Advocates within the support system can also communicate with doctors on the patient’s behalf when necessary.
- Encouragement and motivation: Supportive individuals can encourage and motivate patients to comply with treatment plans and maintain a proactive approach to their health.
- Resource connection: Connecting with support organizations and community resources through a support system can provide additional layers of assistance and information.
2. Make Health-Focused Life Adjustments
Maintaining a sense of normalcy and routine provides stability. Tips for managing daily life include:
- Set realistic goals: Patients must adjust expectations to match current energy levels and capabilities. For example, a patient who loves long walks may not have the same energy or strength to walk for an hour each day. Instead, they might adjust their expectations to shorter, more manageable walks, such as 10 to 15 minutes.
- Prioritize activities: Focus on what brings joy and fulfillment.
- Stay as active as possible: Engage in gentle physical activities as tolerated.
3. Plan Finances
Living with a chronic illness can bring financial and practical challenges. Considerations include:
- Health insurance: Understand coverage for treatments and medications.
- Financial assistance: Explore programs and resources for financial support.
- Advance care planning: Make decisions about future healthcare preferences.
How can you support a loved one with stage IV breast cancer?
Support can include:
- Being present and listening
- Assisting with daily tasks
- Encouraging adherence to treatment plans
- Offering emotional support through companionship and empathy
What resources are available for patients and families?
Numerous resources are available, including:
- Leading breast cancer organizations (e.g., Susan G. Komen, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Keep a Breast Foundation, etc.), many of which also have:
- online communities and forums
- educational materials and webinars
- donation options for treatment research
Living with advanced breast cancer, and surviving it, involves navigating a complex landscape of treatments, symptom management, and emotional challenges. While the journey can be bumpy, many patients find ways to lead fulfilling lives, supported by advancements in medical care and the strength of their support networks. In addition, staying informed, seeking the best treatment options, and accessing available resources allow patients and their loved ones to better manage the uncertainties of stage four breast cancer.
If you need guidance, particularly with treatments, contact New Hope Unlimited at 480-666-1403 for precision oncology and alternative therapies for breast cancer.