Help with Stage IV diagnosis - many years after masectomies

andreama

Hello,

I am in need of assistance. My mother was recently diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma. She had a double mastectomy more than 40 years ago. The carcinoma is in her armpit.

I talked to her oncologist's office and the nurse said the doc diagnosed this as Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. She had a PET scan and it was clear. She's having an MRI of her chest next week.

I don't understand how a cancer can lay dormant for more than 40 years. I did read on this site that cancers can spread but I am still perplexed. I have another message in with her nurse.

They have started her on Letrozole and I don't recall the name of the other drug.

I also don't understand how it can be metastatic if it doesn't show up anywhere in the body.

Any help is appreciated. This is very hard for me as my mother lives in a state and I am very far away.

Thanks.

Andrea

Moderators

Hugs to you andreasma Sounds like you and your mother are going through quite a bit.

It also sounds as though you need to get some additional information from her doctor. Also, it may be helpful to you to read this section on our site Metastatic breast cancer. Here you will see some important questions to ask as well.

We're all here for you!

dlb823

Andreama, sadly, what your mother is experiencing does happen, although 40 years may be some sort of record. But there are women here who have had a metastatic recurrence 15, 20 and 25 years after their early stage diagnosis -- so yes, it does happen.

I'm not up on mucinous carcinoma, so won't attempt to discuss it specifically. But I can assure you that these days many women live many years with a Stage IV diagnosis -- if that in fact is what your Mother iis dealing with. So absolutely don't lose hope or let her lose hope!

If you or she have any doubts about her diagnosis or recommended treatment, by all means get a second opinion at an NCI-designated cancer center. https://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-ce... These are not only the places that see the most breast (and other) cancer(s), so will have experience with women whose recurrence after many years is similar to your Mother's, but they will be up on the very latest treatment options available.

I'm so sorry she's dealing with this, but the fact that you are reaching out for information will be a huge benefit to her prognosis and care! Hugs to you both, Deanna