aunt diagnosed stage iv

dolive444

My aunt was diagnosed today with Stage IV breast cancer. There is also cancer in her liver and her bones (spine). She will be given medication, chemo, and radiation. We were told that the mass on her breast is too large to operate on, and they cannot remove at this time. We were also told that the bone cancer is not curable, and she will be receiving chemo/radiation for the rest of life. I've been reading all this information online, but it just scares me. Does anyone have any stories of hope? I'm trying so hard to stay hopeful, but everything I read online makes me feel like I am hoping for a miracle. Is it possible to fight it, and for her to live out her life. she is 45. 

thefuzzylemon

DOlive...Hi...it's me again!

Please try hard to stay away from Dr Google.  He is not kind, inaccurate and actually out of date.  None of those statistics equal your Aunt - she is unique to her own situation.  Please be sure to have her stay away from Google as well.  What have her doctors told her?  Is she at a great hospital for Breast Cancer?  How old are her children? 

I found out a few weeks ago that one of my doctors told my husband that I only had a 20% chance of living two years...well, it's been two years!  And, I don't like or adhere to statistics.  I was actually a little irritated that he told me that!  LOL  But, seriously, they are depressing and not really reflective of an individual. 

BTW - it's really sweet of you to reach out this way. 

marywh

Hi. Im so sorry about your aunt. There are lots  and lots of Stories of hope here. Please, please stay away from googling statistics and information off the internet. Most of it is old and out-dated anyway. Come here to these boards and ask questions. There are alot of women that can help you and your aunt. My personal story is that I was diagnosed last aug. with mets to liver, chest walland lung. In four months, after finding the right chemo for me, I am down to just one small tumor on my liver that is also getting smaller. There are so many others out there like me.Your aunt is lucky to have you. Will be hoping and praying for the best...