Mom just diagnosed

TX_Sweet_T

Hello.  I am trying to wrap my head around my mothers diagnosis.  She found out yesterday she has breast cancer and it has spread to her shoulder, spine and pelvis.  I have been trying to read up, but am a little confused on terminology.  Is Metastatic cancer the same thing as Stage IV breast cancer?  They wanted to do her biopsy yesterday, but due to the blood thinners she is on they have to wait until Friday.  She also has permanent atrial fibliration - so the top portion of her heart does not beat and she has a pace maker. I wonder how or if that will affect her treatment...

 Thanks for any information. 

chrissyb

Hi TX_sweet and welcome to BCO.  You are correct in assuming that Metastatic Cancer is Stage IV.  It means that the cancer has travelled and grown in another place in the body other than the breast.  A lot of the chemos can be hard on the heart but please don't worry as your moms' doctors will be aware of her condition and will treat her accordingly.

It's good that you are learning as much as possible in order to help your mom for she will need your help and support in the months ahead.  Please let us know how she is and if you have any further questions, plese just post them here and I'm sure someone will be along to answer you or steer you in the direction to be answered.

Love n hugs.  Chrissy

TX_Sweet_T

Thank you so much for your quick response, Chrissy.  It is much appreciated.  I hope all is going well with you.  

chrissyb

Thank you for asking TX_Sweet_T, I am doing very well at the moment and you are most welcome.

Love n hugs.  Chrissy

dlb823

TX_Sweet_T ~ Around here, metastatic bc is referred to as Stage IV bc.  But I've also read that if a woman doesn't start out at Stage IV but a lower stage, and a metastasis appears later, then medically some would express her stage as her original stage (e.g. Stage II), with metastasis, or simply metastatic bc, rather than Stage IV. I'm just throwing that out because you may come across it expressed that way as you're researching your Mother's diagnosis.  And while a Stage IV diagnosis is never what any woman or her family ever wants to hear, if your Mother's bc is only in her bones, there are some excellent treatment options.

Also, keep in mind that some of the newer drugs being used to treat metastatic bc, such as aromatese inhibitors, have only been used in the past few years, which should make any 5-year or 10-years stats you may come across outdated.  Hopefully, future stats for those in treatment today will be significantly better.

So sorry you and your Mother are dealing with this.  At some point, she may find a lot of support here in BCO.     (((Hugs)))  Deanna  

TX_Sweet_T

Thank you for your responses.  I am still trying to get all of the information gathered.  My mom went and spoke with her Oncologist again yesterday to get a recap since she didn't write anything down originally.  She said she has IDC and mammory cancer.  She did not have the pathology information handy because she was tired and had laid down.  She said she does not remember the doctor saying it was HER+ but he said it was positive for something, so I am guessing ER or PR+. The radiation is going ok, but she wants to start the chemo now because she feels like the rest of the cancer is just growing and not being treated.  Her doctor said he would let her know on Monday when the chemo would start. He said he had to do the radiation first to strengthen her spine and hips so there would be no fractures or breaks which would delay the chemo again.

I want to thank you again for your information and help.  I wish all of you the best of luck and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ((((hugs)))) to everyone. Theresa

MyMomsAdvocate

Hi Theresa,

 My mother was diagnosed with stage IV triple negative breast cancer back in June.  It has been a very insane whirlwind but these boards have been my saving grace.  I hope you can find some peace here as well.  

I'm very sorry you have to go through this.  You and your mother will be in my thoughts in prayers.  If you ever need to talk please don't hesitate to PM me. Our situations seem to be very similar, and if I can help anyone in anyway, I would be helping myself as well.  Keep your head up!

 Best wishes,

Michelle

TX_Sweet_T

Thank you Michelle.  I will keep you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers also.  We start the chemo next week.  Feel free to do the same.