My name is Tammy  Louise. I'm 44 years old.  My first bout of breast cancer was at age 32- Stage 2b invasive ductal carcinoma.. Had lumpectomy, 12 weeks of chemo (taxol), 6 weeks of radiation,and ended treatment with an oopherectomy. In Sept. of 2011 I went to the emergency room due to extreme back pain, the Doctor wanted to do a cat scan, then came in to let me know I had tumors throughout my spine and he would like to admit me for more scans. Well two days later after all scans were back I was told I had innumerable mets (tumors) from literally skull to toes and both lobes of my liver. I was horrified as they informed me I probably had 6-12 months to live. I endured radiation and several unsuccessful biopsies and a run of chemo over the next few months. My oncologist informed me I'd never be able to work again due to my risk of bone fractures. I was a single mother to 4 almost grown children and several grand children.  I was 1.5 years out of a divorce. It broke my heart to leave my career, but before I knew it I was on SSD and forced to have my oldest son move back home with his wife and children to keep up the mortgage and bills. I've since suffered several progressions. In the winter of 2013 it invaded my brain and all 3 lobes if my right lung as well as my bones and liver going nuts. I underwent a gammaknife procedure and began Xeloda (oral chemo). I got 15 months on Xeloda which even killed all the cancer in my lungs. Well, progression hit this spring and I'm now on erubulin, which is given IV two weeks in a row with one week off. I was forced to switch doctors this past spring to get better care and now drive 1.5 hours each way to my oncologist. My new chemo is not shrinking tumors, just keeping me stable and creating neuropathy so I've lost feeling to both of my legs from the knees down and it's beginning to affect my hands. I discovered there's very little help or support for those of us facing stage IV breast cancer. Sadly only 3% of all money raised goes to help those of us battling stage IV, yet 30% of all women diagnosed with any stage breast cancer will face stage IV within our lifetime, some not till many years later (it was 9 years for me).  My youngest son just turned 18 and developed schizophrenia and requires my 24-hour care.  His father has moved away and rarely visits. So I'm determined to fight and be here for as long as I can for my children even though our yearly vacations and many of the things we enjoyed are now a thing of the past. I still feel everyday I get with them is a blessing. Thank you for letting me share..