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KPhilli
KPhilli Member Posts: 22
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

My mom was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, 1 node affected.  Surgery set for Feb. 16th, but MRI just revealed tumors on spine.  Please help. I'm freaking out.  Anybody dealt with this situation?

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  • konakat
    konakat Member Posts: 6,085
    edited February 2010

    Yes, there are many of us with bone mets on the spine and elsewhere.  I got my first mets in my liver and then the BC hopped over to my spine.  It really freaked me out too -- my spine!  But it did go away with chemo, and very quickly.  What's "good" about bone mets is that is it less dangerous that if it was in a vital organ (i.e., liver, lungs, etc.).  It certainly can weaken your bones and cause pain.  BUT -- it is very treatable.

    Your Mom will probably start on a bone strengthener such as Aredia or Zometa.  The chemo and/or hormonal treatment she will get for her IDC will also work on her bone mets since it's all breast cancer.  If she has a lot of pain radiation may be used.

    So, what I want to emphasize to you is that as freaking out worthy the thought of mets on the spine is, it is very treatable and can be managed or even gotten rid of with treatment.  Hugs,

    Elizabeth

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  • KPhilli
    KPhilli Member Posts: 22
    edited February 2010

    Thank you so much Elizabeth.  Reading your post was the only calming moment of the day.  Had no idea that this was common. Internet search led me to terrifying places and statistics re survivorship rates and possible complications. Then your picture (and wonderful mantra) gave me some hope.

    With gratitude and best wishes to you on this grey and cold day in Toronto.

    Krista

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  • konakat
    konakat Member Posts: 6,085
    edited February 2010

    Krista -- there are just so many women today with bone mets that are working, traveling, raising their children, enjoying their grandchildren, IOW, having a very good quality of life.  I've actually had to convince colleagues that I had cancer and mets!  They didn't believe it since I looked and acted "normal".  I'm a little run down now, but doing OK when I'm not sulky or bitchy.  :-)

    There's a non-profit organization for women with breast cancer in Toronto called Willow.  I hear rave reviews about it.  Maybe you and your Mom might want to have a look.  The URL is http://www.willow.org  Hugs,

    Elizabeth

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