I was on Letrozole, daily, which I was told I would remain on it for 5 to 10 years.
However, on Groundhog Day 2017, I was re-diagnosed with Stage IV Triple Negative (TNBC) Metastatic Breast Cancer with a breast cancer tumor in my liver. As my first line of treatment, I joined a Clinical Trial - TOPACIO sponsored by Tesaro, which is a combined treatment of Immunotherapy and a Parp Inhibitor. The drugs are Niraparib (Parp) and Pemprolizumab (Immunotherapy). I have been on this trial since March 2017. As of today, September 2018, my tumor has reduced in size to 1.6mm. I am close to seeing it disappear.
However, no matter what happens, there is NO CURE and I will never hear the words you are "Cancer Free" again unless science catches up in my lifetime. There is NO CURE for any StageIV Breast Cancer.
My cancer life, which has lots of ups and down, has been shared by me on various social media sites throughout my story. I created this blog to help get the TRUE MESSAGE out about Breast Cancer. October Breast Cancer awareness month is important and has met it's original goal, Breast Cancer Awareness. BUT it needs to be so much more, we need to move past the awareness message, everyone is aware but are they aware of what is happening in the StageIV community?
We need a CURE.
40,000 women a year die from Stage IV (Also known as Metastatic) breast cancer in the United States. This number has not changed in decades. Clinical Trials and research has made strides in finding a cure but the steps being done are baby steps and slow to reach community healthcare. There are many reasons for this but none that cannot be overcome with Donations, Volunteerism, Advocacy, Knowledge, Fundraising and most importantly, your involvement. This is a marathon but there is no end in sight.
I will share my thoughts, knowledge and advocacy on this site. Please join my story regularly and feel free to share with your networks. Help change the message!
Love,
Stacy Hanson (Mom to Lucy, Wife to Kent)
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