I was told, “You’re stage 4. This is going to kill you.' | Abigail’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Story

Abigail was a busy lawyer and mom of 2 when she found a lump in her breast. After her first mammogram and a biopsy, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In this story she shares how her diagnosis of stage 2A turned out to be stage 4 metastatic, meaning it had spread throughout her body, parenting while living with cancer and her transition from a busy career to going through treatment.

Abigail's Video Series:
1) I was told "You're stage 4. This is going to kill you" That was extremely sobering: This Video

The interview has only been edited for clarity.

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Contents of this video:
00:00 - Intro
02:25 - What were some of your first symptoms?
05:26 - How genetic testing for cancer has changed
13:31 - When did you realize this was something more serious?
22:46 - Receiving the diagnosis
32:49 - How did you process the diagnosis?
42:05 - Parenting while dealing with cancer
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#cancerstories #cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #bcsm #metastaticbreastcancer #stage4 #mom #parenting #busylivingwithmets

[camkatr]

Òne of my dear friends passed earlier this year after living with breast cancer for almost 15 years. She had 3 daughters who were aged 5, 8 & 11. Once she got the diagnosis that she was stage 4, all she prayed for was to get her girls to adulthood...any more would be a bonus. She was 43 when diagnosed and passed at almost 58. She had a lot of difficult months and years during that time but she also had alot of just wonderful normal time living her life & raising her girls. Her girls are all now young adults in their twenties missing their Mom but also thriving thanks to her and how she was able to raise them. My wish is that you get many more years with your precious boys. My friend defied the horrible odds stacked against her for a long time & had a wonderful life & so can you.

[brendawilkins]

I have breast cancer in left breast which I thought it gone now I have MBC now, it has not spread nowhere else but lungs from CT scan. I was told . Back on treatments. I'm giving up from them saying it's not curable. I'm praying for God's healing! And for who is going though this. Too many are getting Cancer. It has to stop! And I know God hears prayer.

[lilcookies]

As someone who has a diagnosis similar to Abigail, it is reassuring that she has been doing so well for so long. I'm only 2 months into this stage 4 MBC journey and it's still so daunting each day. Thank you so much for these stories, they give more hope than most without this disease can realize. 🧡

[elainemurray]

My heart goes out to you, I'm going through the very same. My scan showed the cancer in bones, but not spread any more . Like you we don't want to leave our children behind. Stay strong and one day at a timeXxx❤❤❤

[debisusan]

We have to live in the moment. My mother always would say to me, every day is a gift, live it to the fullest!

[susiekaiser]

Abigail, thank you so much for spending precious time sharing your story. Writing letters to our children for those moments in the future that your sons will need to hear from you is a great idea for all of us. You have such a positive attitude. I pray that your treatments continue to work until the scientists find something better to work for you.

[emmainjapan]

I am so inspired by Abigail's take-action response to stage-4 cancer. How did she do that instead of just being overwhelmed, and collapsing, I wonder? Her beautiful family gave her much motivation and support to take all the needed steps quickly to deal with her medical care, changes to her law practice management, childcare, and priorities and dreams about her future family life. And then she herself is a gem regarding living with gusto, gentle good humor, and intelligence. I wish her every good thing from here forward.

[brendasnow]

It wasn’t breast cancer, but my husband’s first oncologist said “Sell everything and take a trip around the world, because you’ll die from this in about a year.” We didn’t do that, of course, and my husband lived another 27 years, cancer free.

[janicewolk]

A very good idea to get mental health support. I supported my husband throughout his cancer and although it was terminal, we grew so close and it changed our lives for the better. He lived far longer than the norm and the way we approached the disease I believe enabled that.

[amusingmyslf]

My discovery, this August, was an inverted nipple which made me search for the lump. The biopsy showed Stage 1 and if everything goes as planned, I'll have the lumpectomy in November.
*Update*
Surgery went well, my Doctor is confident that she got all the cancer in one scoop, and, the Sentinel nodes that were removed show no signs of spreading. Now onto 16 treatments of radiation when I've healed.

[mimi]

I agree with many here you are inspirational, your parenting is admirable during this difficult time I see you making beautiful memories every day and still setting time aside to make sure those beautiful boys feel there Mama’s legacy lives on.
As a retired Oncology Nurse I’m aware of many stage 4 survivors being in remission for over 20 years and with your positive mindset I feel sure you will definitely be having that Wedding dance with your boys
🙏❤️

[lanebashford]

Abigail: I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis but you seem to be handling it all well. I am in exactly the same boat. I was dx with stage 4 MBC just under 2 yrs ago. Mine is in lymph nodes, lung, ribs, spine and humerus. I did IV Taxol and radiation for my ribs and humerus and had spinal surgery to remove a huge lumbar tumor. I'm now on hormone treatment (Verzenio and Letrizole) with no further spread of my cancer. I'm in a holding pattern, still upright and active and moving and not giving up. All we can do is move forward and stay positive. I've heard that some people can live for 15 or more years with MBC. It is all individualized and depends on how our bodies handle the meds we're given. The only complaint I have is my constant fatigue. I've never been so tired (all the time) in spite of gentle exercise, getting enough sleep and eating well. I'm not at all in pain at this time so I'm happy for that.

Praying for you and your family and keep us posted how you're doing.

[jordanbdailey]

I watch this channel all the time because of family members who have been diagnosed. Imagine my surprise when I click on your channel and see someone I’ve worked with! She was an amazing attorney and advocate for children in our child welfare system. I’m so glad that she’s here to share her story. ❤️

[deborahbizzell]

That Dr.was so straightforward and cold-hearted.

[jenniferwells]

I’m so sorry🥲 but there is hope❤️👍 my youngest girl had stage 4 too. She beat it as her twin gave her his stem cells🙏 2 years now. She’s great👍 I pray you beat this too❤️🥰❤️❤️

[bojigirl]

In 2014 the panel was 8 genes. In 2017 it was 88. Genetic research is rapidly advancing, thank goodness. In 2014 I was told my BC was a fluke. In 2017 after a recurrence of BC, my second genetic test showed a CHEK2 mutation linked to BC. I also had another mutation linked to colon and thyroid cancer. We stepped up monitoring those and, sure enough, 6 years later I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. We shouldn’t be afraid of genetic testing. It saves lives.

[jackenelaverty]

I am less than one year into my diagnosis and could totally relate. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives me hope!❤

[angelicamarino]

Thank you for being so brave in sharing your story Abigail. You are so articulate yet so relatable. Wishing you all the best on your journey.

[sonyaskogstad]

Abigail I pray for a miracle for you as what a absolutely Devine woman you are.
I would say other people in your position would find you an inspiration.
All the best xxx

[rdstobbart]

Such a wonderful person. Loving her children into their future. I'm on a similar journey. As I pray for myself I also pray for Abigail to live a robust and healed life in Jesus mighty name amen 🙏