[annettchen]

I have read somewhere that only 4% of the research money go into stage iv to begin with. I hope that's not true, because for me - being 43, stage iv off the get go, with a 5 year old daughter, that is EXTREMELY scary. If we can't find a cure in my lifetime, then my "selfish self" needs the list of treatments that may slow this thing down to be as long as ever possible.

I understand, though, that stage iv BC (HER2 or any other) is not the "pink success story" that easily raises money, and is good for "sunshine" publicity a la "you'll be fine". It's painful and arduous, and a lot of time and work spent for sometimes very little gain or progress. I know it's ugly. Only: that does not help me at all, I still want to live?