[Going Public] My wife has breast cancer

One year ago tomorrow, my wife was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic means the tumor had spread to other parts of the body – in her case, she has small spots on her lungs, liver, and several bone locations. For twelve months we have visited MD Anderson Cancer Center for chemo treatments, targeted therapies, CT scans, echocardiograms, and a host of other tests and procedures. Because of the nature of mbc, she cannot have surgery to remove the tumor, and she will never be cured (unless someone comes up with a cure for breast cancer – a very real possibility considering the advancements made in the last few years). She is upbeat and hopeful, as we all are. She still works full time, and we continue to live our lives just as we always have.

Last year, my daughter and I participated in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure Houston 5K. This year we are again running, and taking an active role in awareness and fundraising. We are extremely fortunate that my job has a partnership with United Health Care and MD Anderson so that all of my wife’s expenses are covered. But many other women struggle financially. Please, if you are willing and able to help, won’t you make a small donation? You can view my wife’s honorary page to contribute or just sign the guestbook, or you can go to the main Komen Houston website and donate. Thanks!

My daughter and I got matching tattoos in support of everyone dealing with breast cancer.


13 Facts Everyone Should Know about Metastatic Breast Cancer
1. No one dies from breast cancer that remains in the breast. Metastasis occurs when cancerous cells travel to a vital organ and that is what threatens life.
2. Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer to different parts of the body, typically the bones, liver, lungs and brain.
3. An estimated 155,000 Americans are currently living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer accounts for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
4. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer is lifelong and focuses on control of the disease and quality of life.
5. About 6% to 10% of people are Stage IV from their initial diagnosis.
6. Early detection does not guarantee a cure. Metastatic breast cancer can occur 5, 10 or 15 years after a person’s original diagnosis and successful treatment checkups and annual mammograms.
7. 20% to 30% of people initially diagnosed with early stage disease will develop metastatic breast cancer.
8. Young people, as well as men, can be diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
9. Like early stage breast cancer, there are different types of metastatic breast cancer.
10. Treatment choices are guided by breast cancer type, location and extent of metastasis in the body, previous treatments and other factors.
11. Metastatic breast cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Although most people will ultimately die of their disease, some will live long and productive lives.
12. There are no definitive prognostic statistics for metastatic breast cancer. Every patient and their disease is unique.
13. To learn more about National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 13 and to access resources specifically for people living with metastatic breast cancer and their caregivers, visit www.mbcn.org.