Metastatic Breast Cancer- A Family Fights Back
Cancer is more than a disease. It not only consumes the lives of the patient, but it also swallows their family, friends, and loved ones. Anyone you talk to has been affected by cancer directly- or indirectly. While cancer comes in many forms, one that particularly hits home for us is breast cancer.
One of our very close friends was deeply affected by cancer when her mom was diagnosed. After watching her mom lose her battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) the unthinkable presented itself when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. We all stood in complete shock when getting the news especially since her cancer was found as part of a preventative screening. Fortunately, the cancer was at a very early stage and her oncologist was extremely optimistic about beating it with aggressive treatment. This was just another perfect scenario of why preventative cancer screenings are SO incredibly important. Catching the cancer early didn’t mean the physical and emotional pain of chemo and radiation wasn’t present, however it did mean SHE (we) had a fighting chance! Cancer may be trying to hit hard, especially for this family- but we weren’t going down without a fight. After nearly a year of treatment, we received confirmation of a clear scan. While my friend was lucky to have caught her breast cancer before it turned into advanced stages, it still remains important to bring support and awareness around Metastatic Breast Cancer. MBC
The metastatic breast cancer (MBC) community will honor the 5th Anniversary of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness (MBCA) Day on October 13, which was established in 2008 to recognize the unique needs of people living with MBC. However, there is still much work to be done as approximately 40,000 people die each year from MBC.
Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)
- 155,000 people in the United States are living with metastatic breast cancer, also known as advanced breast cancer.
- Breast cancer is considered metastatic when it has spread from the breast to another part of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs or brain.
- Modern medicine has made advancements by leaps and bounds, however there is still no cure for MBC.
Faces of MBC
- Genentech has partnered with Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, and MetaVivor to recognize the 155,000 people living in the US with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Beyond seeking a cure, these women hope for more acceptance, support and resources. Unlike those with early stage breast cancer, these people will likely remain on treatment for the rest of their lives.
- To help understand MBC families’ unique support needs, Genentech created a survey and used results from the survey to develop a sequel to last year’s Faces of MBC video, featuring real women living with the disease and their supporters.
Visit www.facesofmbc.org to view inspiring stories. Genentech will donate $10 for each new upload and each visit equals $1 for breast cancer initiatives (up to $20,000).
Check out 5 Minutes for Momfor more information about MBC and Faces of MBC.
Connect with FMBC
Please visit www.facesofmbc.org,
follow @FacesofMBC
Use hashtag #MBCProgress and share with your friends and family.
*disclosure- We are part of a campaign for MBC and received compensation but all opinions and stories are our own*
