Need advice on diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer

UGA1234

Hi Ladies - God Bless every one of you.  What a wonderful site.  I have enjoyed reading all of the positive energy and great information concerning each condition. 

I need some help with a recent diagnosis for my mother.  My mom had the call just this morning that both nodes that were biopsied were positive for cancer.  She was diagnosed with cancer 7 years ago(age 56 at time, now 62) - stage 1, ER/PR +, her 2 -, oncotype score was 17, no sentinel node involvment,  so no chemo or radiation.  She has been on Arimidex for the past six years, just coming off last year only to learn that the cancer has now returned to the lymph nodes (one lymph node is as big as a golf ball (4 are enlarged)and all drs look at in concern, which is more scarey).  The report reads - "Metatastic breast cancer concurrent with previous breast cancer".  She and our family are devastated to say the least.  MY question is how can this be labeled metastatic without more scans?  Her lung scan was clear and all blood work was normal.  Do they somehow know this has spread?  Please help....anyone with a similar diagnosis?  Any positive info would be welcomed at this time. 

Thanks so much for your help.

reesie

Metastasis happens in two different ways - local and distant. What the reports are showing appears to be local mets which depending on size and location and number can be anywhere from stage I to III. Distant mets - which can only be found with further testing (CT, Bone, PET, etc) are what are referred to as Stage IV. So until the docs say either way try to relax (I know easier said than done) and wait and see.



Good luck

UGA1234

Thanks so much for your reply.  I hope you are correct with local.  Wish we could relax, so much easier said than done.  Prayers for you.  PET scan on Thursday.

kathleen1966

My positive lymph nodes were referred to as metastatic breast cancer in lymph nodes on the path report. It seems as if your mother may have a locally advanced stage of the disease. There are levels of stage IIIA that are considered early stage. But once you hit four nodes, it is considered locally advanced. But still local!  You will know more after the PET scan! The waiting is hard.  I wish you well!