Just Diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone, and there are people and resources ready to help you navigate this journey. This page provides essential information to help you take your first steps with confidence.

Take a Deep Breath

It’s normal to feel:

• Shocked, scared, or confused
• Uncertain about what comes next
• Like you need time to process this information

Remember:

• You have time to make informed decisions
• Treatment options continue to improve
• Many people live well with metastatic breast cancer for years

Your First Steps

1. Build Your Healthcare Team

Your oncologist will be central to your care, but you may also work with:

• Medical oncologist - manages your overall cancer treatment
• Radiation oncologist - specializes in radiation therapy if needed
• Nurse navigator - helps coordinate your care and answer questions
• Social worker - assists with practical and emotional support
• Palliative care specialist - focuses on symptom management and quality of life

2. Understand Your Diagnosis

Key questions to ask your doctor:

• Where did the cancer start, and where has it spread?
• What is my hormone receptor status (ER, PR, HER2)?
• What stage is my cancer?
• What are my treatment options?
• What can I expect in terms of timeline?
• How will we monitor my response to treatment?

Tip: Bring someone with you to appointments to help remember important information, or ask if you can record the conversation.

3. Get Your Medical Records Organized

What to gather:

• Pathology reports from biopsies
• Imaging results (CT, PET, MRI scans)
• Blood test results
• Previous treatment summaries if you’ve had breast cancer before

Why this matters: Having organized records helps if you seek a second opinion or change doctors.

Understanding Treatment

Treatment is Individual

Your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to you based on:

• Where your cancer has spread
• Your hormone receptor status
• Your general health and preferences
• Previous cancer treatments (if applicable)

Types of Treatment

• Hormone therapy - blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers
• Chemotherapy - uses drugs to kill cancer cells
• Targeted therapy - attacks specific features of cancer cells
• Immunotherapy - helps your immune system fight cancer
• Radiation therapy - uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells
• Surgery - may be used in specific situations

Treatment Goals

The goals of metastatic breast cancer treatment are to:

• Control the cancer and prevent it from growing
• Manage symptoms and side effects
• Maintain your quality of life
• Help you live as well as possible for as long as possible

Taking Care of Yourself

Physical Wellbeing

• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet when possible, but don’t worry about being “perfect”
• Exercise: Stay as active as you can - even gentle walking helps
• Rest: Listen to your body and rest when you need to
• Side effects: Report any concerning symptoms to your healthcare team

Emotional Wellbeing

• It’s okay to not be okay - this is a major life change
• Consider counseling - many cancer centers offer support services
• Connect with others - support groups can provide understanding and practical tips
• Maintain routine - keep doing things that bring you joy when possible

Find support and community:

• ABC Global Alliance - International support and advocacy
• BCNA My Journey - Metastatic patient resources

Practical Matters

Work and Finances

• Speak with HR about medical leave options
• Consider disability benefits if you’re unable to work
• Ask about financial assistance - many organizations offer help with treatment costs
• Insurance: Understand your coverage and appeal rights

Workplace support resources:

• Live Work Cancer - Guidance for working during cancer treatment
• Cancer Council 13 11 20 - Free support and information line

Family and Friends

• Decide who to tell and when - there’s no “right” way to share this news
• Be specific about help you need - people want to help but may not know how
• It’s okay to limit visitors during treatment if you need space
• Consider family counseling to help everyone process this together

When You’re Ready to Learn More

Second Opinions

• You have the right to seek additional medical opinions
• Most doctors welcome second opinions for complex cases
• Major cancer centers often provide second opinion services
• Your insurance may cover second opinion consultations

Clinical Trials

• May provide access to newer treatments
• Are carefully monitored for safety and effectiveness
• Participation is voluntary and you can leave at any time
• Ask your doctor if any trials might be right for you

Resources for finding clinical trials:

• Breast Cancer Trials - Australian clinical trial listings
• Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry - Comprehensive trial database

Remember

• This is your journey - make decisions that feel right for you
• Treatment has improved dramatically - there’s reason for hope
• You don’t have to face this alone - support is available
• One day at a time - focus on today rather than trying to plan too far ahead

The information on this page is for educational purposes and doesn’t replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare team about your specific situation.