[DEBBIE S]

Missy, Hi.... I too was originally diag. stage 4 ... my bc had spread to my liver... the spot on my liver was very small.. something like 1cm but it was biopsied and confirmed .. without knowing this my onc would not have been able to decide if my treatment regiment was to be surgery first then chemo or chemo first... Normally in stage 4 you start chemo immediately... my spot did disappear during my first regiment.. but as you can see from the info below I did have a reoccurrence in the same breast within 3 months ... But after many treatments I am happy to say I am only on Hercp and responding, whereas before it appeared I could ony do Hercp with chemo to keep my scans clear... Gather all the info you can and then sit down with your onc and go over each and every question and make sure you are given an answer you understand... Once you digest this info continue to ask questions if you feel you have not been given sufficent answers... It helps to have someone else accompany you to these appts who also understands your situation and can also have input...There are many of us who are stage 4 and living productive lives and try not to get caught up in the amount of time one has left.... Even doctors cannot know this answer and it is best they continue to treat any stage 4 BC person as someone with a chronic condition ... Take a deep breath and know you are not alone in this battle....

God Bless,

Debbie S.