Stage IV Breast Cancer: Betty's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Betty Jean had survived breast cancer in 2019, but a later episode of back pain changed the course of her life again. While on vacation, she developed pain that seemed like a bad back problem. Imaging instead revealed Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, with multiple lesions in her spine and ribs. She also clarified that she had fallen down 12 stairs, not 12 flights of stairs. The diagnosis brought back the shock of cancer, but this time the disease had spread to her bones. Treatment for metastatic breast cancer included targeted therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy. Later, Betty Jean faced another setback when the cancer progressed to her liver, leading to chemotherapy at Stage IV. She continued to speak about the reality of scanxiety: the worry that comes with every scan when living with metastatic disease. Self-advocacy also became central to how she navigated care, decisions, and daily life. As of June 2026, Betty Jean was living fully with metastatic breast cancer while managing bone involvement in the spine and ribs and later liver progression. Her story is a Stage IV breast cancer story with progression, resilience, and ongoing determination, not a cancer-free survivorship story. She continued to frame living well as part of treatment and survivorship.