My Mother's cancer is spreading, please help!

Hope211 · January 2010

In 2006 my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had a masectomy done on her left breast. She then had radiation, but refused anymore chemotherapy after the masectomy.

A year after her surgery a couple of lumps re-appeared in the same area, she had them removed and began chemotherapy. She was told by her oncologist that the type of cancer she had was very aggressive and that the only thing they could do was keep it under control to keep it from spreading.

In September 2009 she had to stop her treatment due to a colon infection caused by the chemotherapy and was off it for a little over a month. In November she began feeling dizzy through out the day, that night she had a seizure and was taken to the ER. After a few test the results where frightening, she had a brain tumor.

A few days later she had the tumor removed, the surgery was a success. We were advised by the surgeon that it was best that she started radiation in the head to prevent a new growth. When she saw her oncologist she advised otherwise, leaving radiation as a last alternative. My mother was doing great after the surgery.

A couple of weeks ago she started her chemo again, it was a 4 hour treatment, she got sick like never before and started getting headaches the following week. Last week she got such a bad headache she was taken to the ER. They did an MRI, the tumors are back, she now has three tumors in her head.

I am so scared and angry. She was at the hospital all week and was released Thursday night. She started her radiation on Tuesday, everyday until Friday.

Could this have been prevented if her oncologist would have gone through with the radiation after the surgery?

My brothers and I are devastated. How do we handle this. The MD at that hospital told me personally that this was terminal cancer, I felt horrible. My mom is 60 years old and we are not ready to loose her. How do we cope with this? How do you prepare to handle what will follow? I am very scared!

dlb823 · January 2010

Hope ~ I'm so sorry that you're here, but hope we can give you some hope and encouragement. The first thing I wondered when I read your post is if your Mother would benefit from getting a second opinion at another facility, preferably an NCI-designated Cancer Center. One thing you will find with breast cancer is that not all doctors think alike or recommend the same treatment. Without knowing the specifics of your Mother's bc, all I can think is that if the doctor(s) she's seeing now aren't especially hopeful, I would absolutely get a second opinion.

I would also encourage you to re-post your question in the Stage IV forum, where there will be quite a few women who have dealt with or are dealing with situations similar to your Mother's and can give you first hand advice about her specific chemo regimen and radiation.

Praying that your Mother will find the best treatment ~ Deanna

unklezwifeonty · January 2010

Hope,

I echo Deanna's post. You mother would benefit from support of other Stage IV women. Just because she is Stage IV, it does not she is going to die tomorrow. She should be able to find some treatment and/or trial to keep the tumors in check for a few years.

spawn · January 2010

Hope,

Im so sorry to hear that heart-breaking story of your mom, were in the same shoes here i also have a 62 yr old mother who has stage 3 breast cancer. She was diagnosed exactly a year ago now January 15 2009. She had about 3months of chemotherapy first before she had mastectomy. They cut her left breast, and after that she had radiation. She lost her hair too and now its growing again.

She's taking oral medication now. And i am really really scared too, i just couldn't bring it up to my siblings because im the oldest of the 4 child. The saddest thing is im in Israel working and i couldnt be there with her bcuz i need to keep my job here so i can support the expensive treatments.

My prayers with your mom..God Bless you.

Hope211 · January 2010

Thank you for taking the time to write back, it's encouraging to know that there are people out there that are understanding and care. It feels good to know that my family and I are not alone.

This week my mother will be getting radiation everyday, she will then be examined again to see the if there has been progress. The radiologist/oncologist is very confident that the radiation will reduce the tumors, we pray to God that radiation does away with them.

I will also seek advise in Stage IV forum, I am new here and I know that I will get the support I need.

Once again thank you so much, my prayers are with you all.

juleisyd · February 2010

Hope211,

UR mother is in my prayers. Keep positive thoughts and u'll see that u'll get positive results. Keep the faith, hope.

)

Hope211 · February 2010

My mother just passed away on February 2, 2010.

I pray to God that he continues to give us the strength that we need to cope with her loss.

We miss her so much!!!!!!!!

chainsawz · February 2010

Hope - I am so sorry to hear your mother passed away :< I am sending you and your family a hug and wish you peace.

RaiderDee · February 2010

Hope, I'm so sorry to hear of your mothers' passing. I sincerely hope your family can find peace now that your mother is no longer in pain. I also hope you continue to check in here from time to time as the great women on this forum can hopefully try to help comfort you in the coming days.

Dee

pip57 · February 2010

Hope, I am so sorry for your loss.

GryffinSong · February 2010

Hope, I'm so very, very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family.

Kodapants · February 2010

I am so sorry for such a huge loss. Cancer is awful. She is now at peace. God bless you and your family.

Sugar77 · February 2010

God bless you and your family. Losing a parent is very difficult and she is now out of pain and resting in peace. So sorry for your loss.

2z54 · February 2010

Hope,

I'm so sorry for your loss. My mother passed away in October, and it is still very strange for me. I hope you can find some comfort in knowing what a wonderful advocate you were for her, and that she is resting in peace now.

KPhilli · February 2010

I'm so sorry Hope. It's obvious that your mother was deeply loved by you. That will never change and I hope it will give you comfort in the days ahead. Sending hugs. K.P.

kiwi88 · March 2010

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My mom passed away last October. She was also once had diagnosed with "brain tumors", basically it was her cancer spent out to the brain. It is always hard to prepare for losing someone who close to you even though my mom died after 6 years of fighting cancer. You will go through this. My mom and your mom will be smiling in the heaven since they do not have anymore pain and sickness.

Hope211 · March 2010

Thank you everyone for your wishes.

It's been a little over a month that she passed away and I think about her everyday. I know that she is now resting from that vicious disease that killed her, but as I said before, cancer no longer has control of her life.

She went with such peace in her heart, we really took care of her in her last days. I love her so much and miss her......it's so hard to believe that she is gone.

Once again, thanks everyone!!!!

My Mother's cancer is spreading, please help!

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