Treatment of Lung and Liver Mets

Sheff

 Hello,

My mom was recently diagnosed with liver and lung METS 4 years since her initial diagnoses.  It was an incidental finding on a CT scan that was done for a separate medical issue.

Both lessions are small.  The liver lesion was in an area which made it very difficult to biopsy.  The lung lesion was biopsied but came back inconclusive.  A surgical biopsy confirmed that it was breast cancer.

My mother is 73 and was on Arimidex.  Her ONC is suggesting that she go on Tamoxifen for 2 months and see how it goes, and if it doesn't work then she will be getting an oral chemo (I don't know which one yet - he did mention she will not lose her hair).

My question is, is this a normal course of treatment for an otherwise healthy and active 73 year old with lung and liver mets?  I get the sense that this isn't a very aggresive course of treatment, and wonder whether there is something else we should be doing.

Thanks,

Sheff 

helena67

Hi,

I think the Onc has kind of a point, trying hormone therapy first, depending on the biology of her cancer. The oral chemo is probably Xeloda. But sure, if she is otherwise healthy and in good condition she may be a candidate for more aggressive regimens as well, if that would be needed (if he cannot get her disease under control). If I were you, I would also check if her tumor was HER2 positive, she would be a candidate for Herceptin or Tykerb.

Best, Helena. 

LC815

Conventional wisdom among Stage IV sisters is: "We're in a marathon, not a sprint."  Oncs try to use the treatments with the fewest side effects first, I think. 

Peace,

Linda