[chrisy]

Dear ks
Well of course you're scared - who wouldn't be? But although everyone is different, that 9-11 month stat is in my opinion completely bogus even "statistically" (and you are not a statistic anyway) for a newly diagnosed her2+ patient even at stage IV. There is much reason to be hopeful; there are many effective treatments available for "our type" of cancer and many more on the horizon. And although your first line of attack is likely to include chemo, there are many targeted drugs out there (primarily Herceptin) which are very tolerable and have in the past 10 years dramatically altered the prognosis for her2+ bc.

True, stage IV disease is not YET curable, but it is very treatable and people are living longer with the disease as we wait/hope for the cure. In your case, even traditional, approved treatments have a great chance of kicking cancer to the curb for a good long time - but you may also inquire about clinical trials available for first line metastatic treatment with pertuzumab and/or T-DM1.(traztuzumab emtansine) as these new agents are really exciting.

In 2004 when I was diagnosed with liver mets (also shocking my doctors) the stats were (pre-herceptin) 18 months. As I approached 5 years I was literally watching for speeding buses. Now, although currently dealing with active disease again, I'm heading for 8 years with no intention of giving up. Several ladies I know from this forum are in long term remission from liver mets and quite probably "cured".

There'every reason to hope you will do well, also

Take care
Chris