5th Scan Results and Update - 8/7/25

Sharing the results of my PET scan.  Unfortunately, it is not the news we had hoped for.  I have progression yet again on my right breast and left hip bone.  The scans also showed my clavicular lymph node lighting up on the scans as well as potential thyroiditis.  My right breast tumor and left hip bone had doubled in SUV since last scan, meaning there is much more metabolic activity happening and the tumors are growing.  These areas are the same spots that have been stubborn since the start of this journey. 

I got the results through My Chart on Monday and had my appointment scheduled with Dr. Lassi today, so the last couple days have been very long, very difficult as I had to wait to understand the results and next steps.  I am so mentally and physically drained at this point, it’s taking a lot for me to share this news with everyone.

After meeting with Dr. Lassi today we have a plan on next steps.  I was worried going in that we were going to already switch to my third line of treatment which terrifies me as I’m exhausting through so many lines of treatment so soon.  However, her plan was to try and stay on Enhertu and do radiation on my right breast and left hip bone.  This would give me more time on my second line of treatment.  I will however need a Brain MRI and biopsy of my right breast and clavicular lymph node before proceeding with radiation.  If the Brain MRI shows tumors, then I will switch treatments and not do radiation.  If the biopsies show a different subtype, then I will also switch treatments.  The biopsies will also show any genetic mutations that we could potentially target as well which is good.  I hope that I will be able to stay on Enhertu and do the radiation, since all the other areas of my body are stable. 

I have my Brain MRI and breast biopsy scheduled for August 14^th.  I am also going to the Mayo Clinic for a consultation with Dr. Goetz on August 12^th, just to get a 2^nd opinion and make sure I am on the right path after this progression. 

Overall, I am feeling relieved to have a plan moving forward and hopeful for radiation to help with these spots, but it doesn’t take away the fact that this is such crappy news.  I think about all the people that are doing well many years into this on their first line of treatment and then I am over here have 2 progressions in a year.  I have been working so hard by eating well, doing meditation, exercising, etc. so it is hard to get news like this that just brings you down.  It’s been hard for me to be positive the last few days, and I am exhausted.  Lately I have been thinking about death a lot and accepting the fact that I may die sooner than I initially thought.  Dr. Lassi thinks I could have another 4-5 years or so, but we just don’t know.  Cancer just sucks so much, and it doesn’t matter or care how healthy you are.

But I am trying to stay positive and grateful I have the option of radiation.  I also know people don’t get options too, so I am very thankful for the plan I have in place.  Stage 4 cancer is a marathon and I am learning how to get through this journey.  I know there will be highs and lows.  The lows only make the highs that much more meaningful.

I meet with Dr. Lassi again in two weeks and will be sure to share another update after my Brain MRI and biopsies.  Radiation would then likely be over the next month after I meet with Dr. Lassi.

Thank you all for your prayers, support and kind words, it means a lot.

Love, Stacy