What happened, in summary

Wandering was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in September 2013. Nearly 10 years later, at age 78, the cancer journey had included periods of good quality of life as well as difficult side effects from different medications.

At the latest update, shortness of breath had become a new concern. Earlier, 2,200 cc of fluid had been removed from around the lungs, and an X-ray was scheduled to clarify the new breathing problem.

After almost a decade with metastatic disease, Wandering was thinking about how many medication changes might still be available with advancing age. Even with those uncertainties, there had been many stretches when side effects eased and life felt enjoyable. Wandering's message to others with metastatic cancer was to keep hope as new treatments continue to emerge.