Start Here: Newly Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
A new diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer — also called stage 4 or MBC — can feel overwhelming. This page is here to help you take things one step at a time, starting with the most important basics.
What does metastatic breast cancer mean?
Metastatic breast cancer means that breast cancer cells have traveled from the breast to other parts of the body — most commonly the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. This is also called stage 4 breast cancer.
Living with metastatic breast cancer is different from early-stage breast cancer. The goal of treatment shifts toward managing the disease, protecting quality of life, and keeping cancer as controlled as possible for as long as possible — not necessarily trying to "cure" it in the traditional sense.
Many people live meaningful, full lives for years after a metastatic diagnosis. Treatment has improved significantly, and new options continue to emerge. You and your oncology team will work together to find an approach that fits your specific cancer biology and your personal priorities.
It is normal to feel a wide range of emotions — fear, sadness, confusion, or even numbness. All of these reactions make sense. Give yourself grace as you process this news.
About this app
This app is for education and personal organization only. It does not replace your oncology team. Everything you read here is meant to help you prepare better questions, organize your information, and feel more supported — not to guide clinical decisions. Always discuss your symptoms, test results, and treatment options with your oncologist.
Your first-week checklist
Here's what to focus on in the first days and weeks after your diagnosis. You don't need to do everything at once — work through these at your own pace.
Understand your subtype
Ask your oncologist what subtype of breast cancer you have — for example, HR+/HER2-, HER2+, or triple negative. Your subtype helps guide which treatments are most likely to work for you.
Add to My Cancer ProfileConfirm biomarker testing
Biomarker tests (like BRCA, PIK3CA, ESR1, HER2, and PD-L1) can open the door to targeted treatments. Ask your team whether comprehensive testing has been done on your tissue or blood.
Track in My Cancer ProfilePrepare your first questions
It's okay not to know what to ask right away. Common first questions include: What is my treatment plan? What are my options? How will we know if treatment is working?
Use Visit PrepStart tracking your symptoms
Keeping a simple daily log of how you feel — pain, fatigue, mood — gives your care team valuable information and helps you notice patterns over time.
Open My JournalIdentify your support
Having people around you — whether family, friends, or a support group — makes a real difference. It's okay to let others help. You don't have to do this alone.
Explore Support ResourcesAsk about clinical trials when appropriate
Clinical trials give some patients access to newer treatments. Ask your oncologist whether any trials might be relevant for you — it's a reasonable question at any stage.
Learn About TrialsNot sure if something is urgent?
If you experience severe or sudden symptoms — like chest pain, trouble breathing, fever, confusion, or severe pain — contact your oncology team or go to urgent care right away. When in doubt, call your care team.
See the full When to Call Your Care Team guideExplore more tools in this app
Source: National Cancer Institute — Metastatic breast cancer.
Educational use only. This tool is for education and personal organization only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with your oncology team about symptoms, treatment decisions, and urgent concerns.