Beyond The Shock®

Types & Stages

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Chapter: 5 - Types & Stages

Subchapter: 5 - Stage 4

Stage 4 is the most advanced stage of breast cancer, because it has spread to other organs of the body; most often the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. This is known as “metastatic cancer”.

If you have been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, the strenuous cycles of treatment can be exhausting. You will need to make careful decisions and plans regarding your condition, but there is no reason to give up on life and relationships. Many women with Stage 4 cancer discover strength of character and qualities of resilience they never knew they had before.

Remember to rely on your supportive group of family and friends. With their care and support, as well as your personal motivation, you will be able invest wholeheartedly in the options at hand, making the most of life for you and your loved ones.

Related Questions

I have stage 1 BC Ductal Carcinoma invasive on my right breast, I am considering bilateral Mastectomy, I had stage 0 noninvasive cancer in the left breast when I was 39 years old.

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

over 1 year ago 3 answers •
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2003
  
  I survived stage 3B invasive ductile 2002. I was so overwhelmed by the treatments chemo, surgery, radiation, chemo, I never planned for further or complimentary repair. I walked around with one boob for 7 years. I once planned on repair of my R breast but there were few options for my very deep...
  more
  I survived stage 3B invasive ductile 2002. I was so overwhelmed by the treatments chemo, surgery, radiation, chemo, I never planned for further or complimentary repair. I walked around with one boob for 7 years. I once planned on repair of my R breast but there were few options for my very deep mastectomy scar. The repair in conjunction with problems with lymphedema were scary. I chose not to do reconstruction and, because I was tired of one boob (not a very nice looking one at that) I just had it removed. Now I don't have to worry about prosthetic, uncomfortable bras or further chance of reoccurred. Yippeee. My choice was easy and such a relief.
  Comment 0
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2007
  
  I think a choice of bilateral mastectomy is absolutely worth consideration. It is something to discuss with your oncologist and surgeon. Since you have had a history of BC in your left breast, it is probably the best decision to have a bilateral mastectomy. You can also talk about the...
  more
  I think a choice of bilateral mastectomy is absolutely worth consideration. It is something to discuss with your oncologist and surgeon. Since you have had a history of BC in your left breast, it is probably the best decision to have a bilateral mastectomy. You can also talk about the possibility of reconstruction too. I had a mastectomy in 2006 and wear a prosthesis which is quite comfortable. In fact, to me, it is so comfy, it feels normal! I It is a personal choice women have to make for themselves. Please keep in contact with us, we care about everybody going through this journey. Take care, and blessings to you.
  Sharon
  Comment 0
A big shout out to all the sisters and their loved ones along the east coast. Louisiana is praying for you. Hope you see a few of our crews up there lending a hand in pulling you back to some kind of normal. :-D Jo

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

8 months ago 5 answers •
- View all 5 answers
- anonymous
  
  Learning About Breast Cancer
  
  PS! Praying your treatments aren't interrupted and that you all get TLC. Jo
  Comment 2
- anonymous
  
  Stage 2A Patient
  
  Ditto!
  Comment 0
My aunt recently got diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. What does this entail and how can I help her?

Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer

over 1 year ago 3 answers •
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2002
  
  I was diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Lobular BC at 43. She'll have (I opted for mastectomy(ies), to take away as many chances as I could that it would come back, surgery, chemo and radiation. For me the hardest part was losing my hair. Be sure she finds a wig before starting chemo, or...
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  I was diagnosed with Stage III Invasive Lobular BC at 43. She'll have (I opted for mastectomy(ies), to take away as many chances as I could that it would come back, surgery, chemo and radiation. For me the hardest part was losing my hair. Be sure she finds a wig before starting chemo, or bandanas. I hated a wig, but I was going through chemo and radiation during the hottest part of the summer, so I wore bandanas. Just be there for her, tell her if she needs anything to let you know. We need to be as independent as we can, so someone hovering over us (me and the people I've met along the way have felt this way) isn't good. If she wants to talk, listen, but let her bring up the topic of cancer. Try to treat her like you would before her diagnosis, which I know is hard. You feel so helpless, but you just being there for her, is the great gift you can give her. She'll go through a lot of emotions, which she may or may not show around you, but PLEASE never take it personal if she gets snappy. Not only are we scared, but our bodies are going through some major changes. She's lucky to have you!!!
  Comment 1
- anonymous
  
  Survivor since 2007
  
  When I had the same type of breast cancer, I was living in an isolated rural area. My neighbour was wonderful. I hardly knew her, but she began leaving little packages of home-grown veggies at my door. A friend who lived 2 hours away made several trips to visit and she brought some special...
  more
  When I had the same type of breast cancer, I was living in an isolated rural area. My neighbour was wonderful. I hardly knew her, but she began leaving little packages of home-grown veggies at my door. A friend who lived 2 hours away made several trips to visit and she brought some special yogurt that had extra "healthy bacteria", because I had thrush from the chemo. Another friend who was too far away to visit, sent me a little figurine of one woman with her arm around another. Another friend from my church sent me a greeting card every week to cheer me. My pals from work brought me a gift basket with cozy pajamas, a fluffy throw, and some bath stuff. These are the things that mattered most to me when I was "going through the fire".
  
  You could make up some meals and freeze them for her. I could only eat soft food for a while so noodle casseroles or soups might be good. If she needs help with housework you could organize a cleaning bee. Most of all, just be there for her without smothering.
  Comment 0