Athenex Oncology spoke with patient Susan Swanson about living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Life was busy and moving along for Swanson, her husband of 30 years, and their three kids before she got the diagnosis — stage 4 MBC.
Susan Swanson
Breast Cancer Survivor
Has your diagnosis affected you emotionally?
I’ve had times of emotional and physical isolation. I haven’t met anybody with MBC who hasn’t experienced that. But I try to live in the moment and appreciate the joy in each day.
How have you approached your treatment for MBC?
I spend a lot of time looking at clinical trials, researching treatment options, talking to different doctors, and trying to be as knowledgeable as I can.
What do you do to help yourself from feeling isolated or down?
I walk. With friends, with my dog, by myself. I’ll walk with anybody. Walking is a great way to just be — to not always be thinking.
Have you found any online support or resources to be helpful?
Yes! Through FacingMBCTogether.com, I’ve connected to a community of people who also have MBC. It is life-changing to interact with people who can relate to what I’m going through. Remember that no matter how you feel, you don’t have to feel alone.
