Komen: Women With Stage 4 Breast Cancer Living Rewarding Lives

MIAMI (CBS4) -- Frequently breast cancer stories focus on the women diagnosed in the early stages of the disease but many women are diagnosed with stage four Breast Cancer, the most advanced form. In today's Komen for the Cure, there are ways women with stage four Cancer are able to live rewarding lives for years to come.

"I don't have the poor me attitude at all," said Teena Coles whose friends and family already know that about her.

In 2008, Teena was diagnosed with breast cancer and in 2010 she discovered that it had spread, advancing to stage IV. But you won't find Teena in a hospital bed. She's more likely swimming in the ocean.

"All my life I've enjoyed snorkeling but in 2010 I kind of rediscovered it," said Teena who lives the feeling of freedom she gets underwater.

"As a child I used to dream that I could fly and when I snorkel, when you dive, it feels like you're weightless and you can fly," said Teena.

Those feelings inspired Teena to do something for other cancer patients.

"I've taken up underwater photography and created a website that I hope to share and inspire other people with stage IV cancer."

While stage IV cancer cannot be cured, it is not typically immediately life-threatening. With medication and support, it is possible for patients to live rewarding lives.

"Although metastatic breast cancer is usually not curable it can become a chronic condition, meaning it can still be treated for many years," said oncologist Dr. Reshma Mathani, of the UM Sylvester Cancer Center in Deerfield Beach.

"People presumed I would look a certain way," said Teena. "When I approached people and said I was stage IV they kind of stepped back and said, 'Oh, you don't' look like you have cancer.'"

"My doctor had a nice analogy. He said it's just like having diabetes. It's not curable, but it's treatable. It makes me feel that I can continue to enjoy all the things that I enjoy doing," said Teena.

For more information about breast cancer education, diagnosis and treatment, just go to this website, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Chapter.