Aunt with stage IV lesions on spine

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dhorak
dhorak Member Posts: 61
edited June 2014 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer

Hello all.  I have an aunt that suffers from paranoid schizophrenia and has been recentle diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer that has metastisied to the spine and skull.  The only treatment has been 5-7 radiation treatments to the spine to possibly shrink the lesions.  She can no longer walk and that is how the cancer was discovered. (Because of her mental illness, she would never cooperate with having mamograms).  The only treatment now is just pain medication if she asks for it. 

My question is;  with no treatment how does the cancer effect the skull region?  And how much longer can someone survive?  Her appetite is still good, but there is blood in the urine which could be from a catheter. 

I just feel so helpless.  Thanks for any input.

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  • steelrose
    steelrose Member Posts: 3,798
    edited October 2011

    Hi Denise

    I'm so sorry about your aunt. I have no experience with skull mets, however I did have spinal mets and received radiation along with an anti-hormonal to start. Is your aunt ER- ? And is there a reason why she is not receiving chemo? Also, she may benefit from Zometa or Xgeva (bone strengtheners). I currently get an Xgeva shot once every four weeks. It's fast and easy and no side effects for me. There are treatment options available! 

    Wishing you and your aunt the best...

    Rose.   

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