Stage IV with mets to lungs

John1 · New User Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Location: California

Hello,

My mother's good friend was diagnosed with breast cancer about 2 and a half years ago. She had a mascectomy, but about a year ago the cancer metasticized to her collar bone area. She underwent chemotherapy treatment for 6 months and had been off it for the past 6. Her last visit showed that she now has mets in her lungs. The doctor has recommended that no further chemo be undergone (stating that it would be a waste because it seemed to not help the first time around), and basically that there is nothing more to be done. He has put her on hospice and has given her a timeframe for around 6 months.

I find this troublesome because she is 56 years old, and is in pretty strong condition (ie, still gets around on her own quite well, etc.) and in very good spirits considering the docs prognosis. I was under the impression that hospice would be for someone whose physical condition had deteriorated much more than hers. And that if someone is in well enough physical condition to continue to fight the disease, that that should be the recommended course of action (I don't know that much, but know that there are different chemo-drug combinations, new drugs, etc).

She has not gotten a second opinion, and I have urged my mother to insist that she does.

Any input/advice/experiences are greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much, and sorry for lack of details, as I do not know all of them...

Muttsmom · Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:36 pm Post subject: Re: Stage IV with mets to lungs

Hi,

Absolutely tell her to get a 2nd opinion!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My best friend was resist to 2 chemos, but they tried her on others until she responded.

I know you don't know much about the details, but do you know if she had chemo when she was 1st dx or what stage she was?

I wouldn't walk to a 2nd opinion, I'd be [u]running[/u] to one.

Please keep us posted. I was dx Stage III (bio below) with a large tumor and 9+ lymph nodes. I had just turned 43 (which was against me because it's considered young for BC). I had a double mastectomy, chemo and radiation and I just had my check up Tues. and I'm 5 1/2 years out from dx and am still NED (No evidence of disease). That's not to say that good oncos don't have patients that have recurrences, but it seems like your mom's friends gave up before he even tried.

My best friend had hospice come in when she needed pain meds that only a nurse could administer. Hospice won't come in while a patient is going through treatment. I say find an onco that believes in fighting like the patient. I know quite a few ladies that have mets to their lungs, bones, liver etc. and they are still going through treatment and lead as "normal" lives as possible. I'd tell her onco to save hospice for the patients that can't fight anymore, not for ones who hasn't even had a chance to fight.
_________________
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John1 · New User Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Location: California

Thank you very much for your reply. I am not sure about exactly when the chemo began, but I will try to find out.

I really hope she at least decides to go for a second opinion to see if she is indeed in condition to continue the fight.

Again, thanks a lot, and I will write again when I know more.

Cindy · Senior User Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 187

Hi John. I would definitely tell her to go to another doc. Seems like this doc has just given up on her without really trying. Mom needs to find a doc that is going to fight the good fight for her. There are plenty of chemos out there and doc needs to find the one that works, instead of giving up. Get her to another onc asap. Wishing mom the very best.
_________________
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John1 · New User Joined: 27 Sep 2007 Posts: 3 Location: California

Hello Cindy,

Sorry for the delay in responding/updating you and the others who posted and/or sent PM's.

My mom's friend passed away about 4 months after my original post here. She was in good spirits and with people she loved and who loved her all the way to the end - truly amazing was her level of positivity all the way through the entire process. Everyone is thankful that she did not suffer and was able to spend what precious time she had left with those closest to her. It is unfortunate that more could not be done, but the cancer had just spread too far and was extremely aggressive.

I want to thank everyone here for maintaining this forum, as it is a great place for advice, support, information, etc. And thank you very, very much for the concern, advice and kind words as they related to this particular case.

Keep up the good work and best wishes to all.
John

ksplat · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject: Re: Stage IV with mets to lungs

Dear John

I am very sorry to hear about your Mom's friend losing her battle with BC. She was such a young woman too! Very sad.

Thanks for the update.

Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

Cindy · Senior User Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 187

John, that is so sad. Tell your mom that I am so sorry that her friend has passed. This disease makes me so angry. My 39 year old daughter was diagnosed just this past December. I am so worried for her, but I don't let her know it. She had the genetic test and it was negative, so, that means that two women in the same family have gotten breast cancer, with no genetic relation. Breast cancer is an epidemic. Gentle hugs being sent to your mom.
_________________
Where is the cure???
www.truefacesofbreastcancer.org
www.diepbreastreconstruction.org
www.mybreastcancerstore.com
www.habierose.com

mymaria · Experienced user Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 63

John,

I am praying for you, your family and your mother's family. I am sorry to hear the loss.
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Dallas, TX

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