Metastatic Breast Cancer

"Men can and do get breast cancer, and in the absence of routine screenings, they need to pay attention to their bodies."

"My advice for women new to a stage IV diagnosis is to learn to live in the moment."

"My path to Stage IV had a few curveballs and some twists and turns..."

"By the time I had the surgery, more lumps had appeared, including a fast-growing one on my neck."

"Once I'm up and moving, I have hours and hours where I feel okay, some moments where I feel terrific."

"I am living my life with stage IV cancer; I laugh, work, raise my children, travel, have good days and challenging days."

"I ignored it...even convinced myself it was not getting larger, but it was."

"I try and live every day like I would have before breast cancer invaded not just my body but my life."

"MBC is always there — it doesn't overwhelm me or prevent me from enjoying life, but it has put its shadowy filter over everything."

"Had I not taken responsibility for my own care, I might not be here."

"I also have multiple sclerosis (MS), so having only one breast seems like a minor thing to me."

"I plan on watching my three (so far) grandchildren grow up and celebrating my 50th anniversary in 6 years."

"Cancer may take my life someday but not my sense of humor."

"Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions. There are none. And don't be afraid to advocate for yourself."

"I have learned that people with stage IV still enjoy living AND [are] not afraid to live."