4 days after learning that my #SecondaryBreastCancer has spread to my liver I'm busy thinking about options.

#SecondaryBreastCancer has an average life expectancy of 2.5 - 3 years, but I know there are better treatment options than I've been offered.

#bccww
#Stage4NeedsMore

I'm 36 & I have a decent quality of life. I exercise, work, have hobbies & still feel fairly healthy.

However, my oncologist is pushing very hard for me to start IV chemo. I really don't want to yet. I was lucky with minimal side effects from oral chemo but IV chemo is harder.

My oncology unit apparently primarily offers PICC lines, with ports only available in limited circumstances. For me a PICC line is like my worst nightmare. I want a port if I have to do IV chemo.

A PICC line would stress me out 24/7 & with no pun intended I know I'd pick at it!

Even pre #COVID19 my unit didn't allow anyone to sit with you during IV chemo. You could have company the 1st time, but after that you're on your own

For me IV chemo isn't an option yet. My oncologist hears my fears & just accuses me of being afraid of losing my hair

I asked about #radiotherapy as a way of bashing some of the #cancer.

According to my oncologist I can't have radiotherapy at the moment because I'm not in enough pain. She only approves it for severe pain relief & not disease control

@RTherapy4Life
@APPGRT
@ActionRTherapy

There are treatments for #SecondaryBreastCancer that has spread to the liver. I've only got 2 small spots on it so far.

I asked about #SIRT, targeted #radiotherapy & ablation to be told I'm not eligible as I have bone mets. But people in other trusts have had those treatments

I asked about #genomics testing to see if I had any mutations that could be targeted by clinical trials.

Even when I said I'd pay for the test privately my oncologist wasn't at all supportive. She dislikes them as they can "raise false hopes" & flag up drugs not on the NHS

I'm being referred to the @royalmarsdenNHS to see if they have any trials for me. The terrifying thing is knowing how many trials have been shut down due to @NHSEngland & #cancer charities prioritising #COVID19 over cancer.

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed!

#StageivNeedsMore

I'm writing this thread to show how easily doors of hope can be slammed in the faces of #Stage4 #cancer patients.

#SecondaryBreastCancer is a killer, but there are options. The NHS just doesn't rate my life as worth paying for

31 British women a day die of #BreastCancer

When I die it won't be due to a lack of treatment options. I'll die because @NICEComms & the #NHS have done their sums & decided giving me years of life isn't value for money.

I'll die because of them & because @BreastCancerNow & @CR_UK won't prioritise #Stage4 & fight for us