Groan if you must, but this is the day to focus on the people whose breast cancer has spread beyond their breast/axillary lymph nodes and has invaded other parts of their bodies.  Whilst it is no respecter of age, it does sometimes seem as if a disproportionate number of younger women with more aggressive cancers are often diagnosed very quickly with secondaries, often only weeks after a primary diagnosis and, sometimes, without one.  Secondary breast cancer can occur pretty well anywhere, but the most common metastases seem to be in the bones, lungs, liver and brain.  Some people also get them in their uterus, ovaries or skin.  Once cancer metastasises it cannot be 'cured.'  It can be controlled, sometimes very successfully, sometimes for many years, but in the end it will claim the life of the person who has it.

Suffice to say, symptoms of secondary cancer are vague and general, and people like me who are NED are prone to paranoia about every ache and pain, every persistent cough, every fluctuation in weight.  There is a broad rule of thumb that says 'if it lasts more than two weeks' and/or 'if it's a kind of pain/cough/ache that feels different for you' then shout.

Anyway, two things...

Firstly if you are someone who has had cancer (of any sort) and you notice any of these persistent symptoms, then shout.  If you're someone who hasn't had cancer and have symptoms that persist then get them checked out too - they're most probably not cancer and can be fixed/addressed relatively simply.  I know, nag, nag, nag.

Secondly, I have already lost friends and contacts to secondary breast (and other) cancer, and so have many of you.  If you can, spare a thought for those people who live daily with the knowledge that they cannot be cured and that one day - they know not when - they will hear the words "I'm sorry...."

Today I'm remembering Cat (RIP), and thinking of Annie and J each of whom inspires me with her courage and tenacity.