Treat, Scan, Repeat: Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

By Vicki McDonald

I have been living with metastatic breast cancer since 10/13/17. Diagnosed at age 46 on what I would later learn is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness day. I am a Mom of 2 successful adults and 2 teenagers and a Grandma to one beautiful granddaughter. I have found strength and courage I didn’t know existed while on this roller coaster.

Treat. Scan. Repeat. For the rest of my life.

I am forever in some sort of treatment to survive. I know I am fortunate. I have made it past the terrifying statistics. I am still on my first line of treatment. I have found there are advantages of having your mortality looming overhead like a black umbrella- I have been creating messages of love for each child in case I miss out on special events- I want them to forever feel me “cheering for them”.

I have learned to find something that makes me smile everyday. I appreciate nature and friendships so very much. I have made and unfortunately lost many new friends all over the world in support groups , beautiful young ladies stolen from us too soon . We need more research. Less ribbons.

In life it’s not if will be tough, it’s when. I am not afraid of dying, I fear the heartbreak of those I will be leaving behind.

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Upcoming Events

1

Events and Webinars

Surviving Breast Cancer provides breast cancer support, events, and webinars at no cost to you! Whether you are looking to gain more knowledge on a particular topic or meet up with other breast cancer survivors, we have something for everyone.

Learn More!

2

Thursday Night Thrivers MeetUp

Our standing appointment on Thursdays is for all stages. We also host specific breakout groups once a month for specific stages and subtypes such as Metastatic breast cancer, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer, etc.

Meet Up!

3

Breast Cancer Book Club

The Book Club meets the first Sunday of every month at 11 am ET. You are welcome to join each month or pick and choose your month based on your availability and the book we are reading.

Let's Read!

4

Healing Through The Arts

Through art, writing, and other creative modalities, we hold the power to manage our stress, make sense of our now, and relax into moments of stillness.

Fun Drawing!