The diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This could include a variety of areas like the liver, bones or lungs. However, there are still treatment options available that can slow down cancer growth and make you feel better. Plus, many breast cancer medications are in the trial phase of study, allowing patients to get access to cutting-edge treatment options.
Instructions
1. Those affected with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer should consider chemotherapy treatment, which uses medications that slow down the cancer's ability to grow. This type of treatment may be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.
2. Slow down cancer with hormone therapy. Sometimes stage 4 metastatic breast cancer will respond to hormone therapies like Arimidex. These therapies cut down on the amount of estrogen your body produces, which essentially slows down the growth of the cancer.
3. Ask your doctor if you are HER2-positive. Women suffering from metastatic breast cancer may have too much protein, which is called HER2. This may allow cancer to spread more rapidly. Medications like Herceptin put a stop to the overproduction of this protein, which slows down cancer growth.
4. Consider participating in a clinical trial. Many of these trials are open to women affected by stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. This allows access to innovative cancer treatments that aren't yet available to the general population. As a study participant, you'll be helping expand treatment options available to people with this condition.
5. Ask about medications to help side effects. Many breast cancer treatments have side effects, including fatigue and nausea. Your doctor may be able to prescribe something to help ease uncomfortable side effects.
Tags: breast cancer, down cancer, metastatic breast, cancer treatments, metastatic breast cancer, side effects