How much time?

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newtobc13
newtobc13 Member Posts: 12
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

This is sensitive..but I can't talk about it with the person I need to so am asking here.  I know this can be extremely variable...but how much time does somone who is diagnosed with Stage IV IDC and IBC have? The current diagnosis is IDC w/ underlying IBC Stage IV metasitized to lymph nodes, neck and bones.  She is on chemo right now with a 50% reduction in all tumors at first scan and the bone lesions are healing with no holes!  then surgery and radiation..I do not know if it's IDC that is in her bones, or IBC..I'm not sure she even knows.  She told me that IBC is a sub-type of IDC?  She is aware she will have to have chemo the rest of her life, but thinks the cancer can go from stage IV to stage III? This is obviously sensitive and I don't want to probe her for information but realisticlly how much time do I have with her? can someone keep IDC and IBC at bay for decades?  thank you...

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  • stephanie67
    stephanie67 Member Posts: 3
    edited August 2011

    I don't know.  I did read something that said 20% "cure" rate for stage 4 bc.  But regardless, everyone is different.  I will keep her in my prayers.

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  • chester2010
    chester2010 Member Posts: 101
    edited August 2011

    There are many chemos to help with progression of the cancer and it is good that your friend has responded so well with her chemo so far.  Many people live for years with a Stage IV

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  • HollyinMich
    HollyinMich Member Posts: 210
    edited August 2011

    Bone metastices are controlled very well.  I know women with IBC who have lived 12 + years with stage IV IBC.  No one knows how long they have, but know that her condition can be controlled for many years.

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  • anonymice
    anonymice Member Posts: 532
    edited August 2011

    Well, it's hard but anything can happen with cancer, good and bad, which is for many of us the hardest part - the uncertainty.  But it also means that there is always hope.  I personally know a few folks also that were diagnosed with IBC stage IV and are now NED - No evidence of disease.  I honestly haven't known anyone with IBC that has died - I was diagnosed one year ago and have met several folks with IBC.  So some people definitely do respond well to treatment.

    Chester is absolutely right, an early noticeable response to chemo is a strong prognostic indicator and so she quite definitely could become NED herself.  You have every reason for optimism so far.  

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2011

    Pamonymous:  What did you mean by "noticeable response to chemo is a strong prognostic indicator"?  Could you explain further?  thanks

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  • anonymice
    anonymice Member Posts: 532
    edited August 2011

    Yes, Phila's right.  It means you have the right chemo for the job right off the bat.  Chemo can rid your body of cancer, but the problem is that there is no way to know what chemo will work on what cancer every time.  Some people have to try many types which takes time and is hard on you, and sometimes the cancer just won't respond to any chemo they currently offer.  

    So, you have the right drug at the right time.  The "prognosis" is the guess about how well you will do - how long will you live with controlled or undetectable cancer.  So, an early response to chemo - something you can notice right away - means that you have a higher chance of controlling or eliminating the cancer.

    It means that your loved one is doing great with treatment so far and you should both be encouraged by the results! 

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