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In 2019 Make 2nds Count awarded it's first research grant to Dr Olga Oikonomidou, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Leader of The University of Edinburgh Breast Cancer Translational Research Group at the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre. This grant was used to fund a 3-year post-doctoral researcher post, held by Dr Fiona Semple within Dr Oikonomidou's team.

I was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer (also known as metastatic, stage 4 or advanced breast cancer) in the summer of 2022. I found a lump in my breast but unfortunately, after many, many tests and scans, we discovered it had already spread to my bones.

SBC & ME Date of Diagnosis: 05/04/2023 Current Treatment Line: I am currently on my first treatment line. I have just finished 6 rounds of chemotherapy (Docetaxel) which I had every 3 weeks.

The Advanced Breast Cancer International Consensus Conference in Lisbon takes place once every 2 years. It brings together medical experts from all over the world to share best practice in treating advanced and secondary breast cancer.

SBC & ME Date of Diagnosis: 04/08/2022 Current Treatment Line: Ribociclib, Letrozole and Denusomab. I started my treatment journey on weekly chemo called paclitaxel which worked really well to reduce and get the cancer under control.

SBC & ME Date of Diagnosis: 27/09/2022 Current Treatment Line: I am taking daily bisphosphonates (Ibandronic acid), oestrogen blocker (Aromasin) and targeted therapy (Ribociclib). How does SBC affect your life?: I am 63 and my life has totally changed due to secondary breast cancer.

‘Staying Alive: A Book Of Hope’ is a poetry book which was created by Seren Haf, Rachel Woods, Jill Davies and Lorraine Burroughs. This book has been created by women living with a secondary cancer diagnosis and shares their experiences through creative writing to offer strength and wisdom to anyone else affected by secondary cancer.

McCann Health London have been great supporters of Make 2nds Count and on 16th September 2023 they took a team of 30 employees to climb Ben Nevis. Louise Hewitt, Copy Director at McCann Health London has shared her fundraising story with us.

Sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy®) is a targeted therapy used to treat certain types of secondary (metastatic, advanced) breast cancer. So, let’s delve into the science of Trodelvy and take a look at a secondary breast cancer patient’s experience on this drug.

We are delighted to announce a £20,000 grant to support our information and support service dedicated to secondary breast cancer clinical trials, the Patient Trials Advocate service, awarded by Breast Cancer Now. Secondary (metastatic) breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Anne Blacklock from Cheshire is one of Make 2nds Count Ambassadors and is the host of our Tea and a Chat group in Manchester. Anne decided to organise a Cabaret Show in aid of Make 2nds Count in the hope of raising £3,000.00.

Miranda took part in three charity fundraising events to raise money for Make 2nds Count in memory of her mum, Barbara. On 1 July Miranda took part in her very first sprint triathlon.

When/How were you first diagnosed?I was initially diagnosed with primary breast cancer in May 2020, one day after my 35th birthday. I’d noticed an inverted nipple/dimpling in my breast and arranged a GP appointment.

What is trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®)?Trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu®) is an innovative targeted therapy used to treat certain secondary (metastatic, advanced) breast cancer patients. In this blog we will delve into the science of trastuzumab deruxtecan while looking at a patient’s experience on this drug.