My Mom's diagnoses and next steps

babettebebe

My mom entered the hospital January 6th with a hip fracture. We found out the fracture was a result of lesions on her left femer. My mom is 74 years old and a 24 yr. survivor of breast cancer. She also has congestive heart falure and suffers from COPD and emphysema, her lung capacity is very low and currently on oxygen, she also has osteoporosis. Last Friday she had hip replacement and the biopsy of the tumor in the bone that was removed identified the primary source as breast cancer.  The cancer has matastasized to her bones, liver, lungs, lymph nodes, and exterior skin tumors...she is stage IV. The doctors have her on Armidex which seems to be shrinking the exterior tumors...but I have heard about its adverse reaction to bones and joints. She is in severe pain. She has to let her hip heal first, but we are concerned of aggressive cancer treatments in her current condition...ultimately it is her decision for next steps, my heart aches.

AmyIsStrong

I am so sorry for your situation. It sounds very complex and I can't offer anything but caring support across the miles as you care for your mom. She is lucky to be surrounded by your love. Perhaps others will be able to offer more concrete support.

Wishing peace for you, your mom and your family.

Anonymous

Hey Babette, I am so, so sorry for what is happening with your Mom. It is very hard to watch loved ones suffer, be so ill and to feel so powerless. Can your Mom still express her wishes? What does she want to do? Does she have a "living will?" I am a former hospice caregiver and I just went through this with my Mom. She was so very ill for two years (tough lady) and I was her primary hospice caregiver. She passed away in April. AS a family, we knew her wishes and though decisions were very hard for us, we had to do what she wanted at the end of her years. I know it is hard, but your Mom and you all are in charge of her treatment and you know your Mom best. In the end, we wanted the time we had left with her to be quality time and worked hard on that plan. I watched my Mom try to endure so MUCH and she is the bravest woman I have ever known. As a retired medical professional my question is always, "Just because the doctors think they can, should they." I know there are no words to comfort or to fix this terrible situation but know that you are loved and I (we) are sending lots of angels to surround your Mom at this critical time and covering you and your family in prayer. I am just so very sorry. (((((BIG SOFT HUGS 4 MOM)))))). SV 

MJLToday

On other thought -- if she is in severe pain, she needs to complain.  You need to complain.  To everyone and anyone who will listen.  There are ways of dealing with the pain, from radiation to heavy duty medications.  This is possible regardless of whether or not she wants to go through aggressive, non-hormonal treatment.

 She/you might ask about Zometa.  It's a pretty low toxicity treatment that helps to build up bone.  It's not a quick fix, but it can help with bone pain, eventually.