treatment refusal for breast cancer

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farghaneh
farghaneh Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
 My aunt is diagnosed with invasive carcinoma with the lymphatic vessels and the skin cells involved. In the latest scan result it was written "possibility of pulmonary metastasis" The specialist has told her that it is too late for the surgery and that she has to do Chemotherapy. The problem is that she is in a denial stage and refuses to have the treatment saying that she does not have cancer!!!!
I would like to now, if she continues to deny her cancer and the chemotherapy, what would be her survival chance and how long she can live. We are desperate with her refusal.
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  • sweetbean
    sweetbean Member Posts: 1,931
    edited February 2012

    I'm really sorry to hear this.  Is she pursuing any alternative treatments?  (I wouldn't recommend alt treatments in lieu of conv. treatments, such as chemo, but they would be better than nothing.)

    If it is really in her lungs and she does nothing, then her prognosis is very poor. Metastatic BC is not curable and lung mets can move swiftly.  However, there are many women on here with lung mets that do very well for many years by doing a variety of treatments, such as hormonals, chemo, Herceptin, etc, based on their pathology.   

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  • GramE
    GramE Member Posts: 5,056
    edited February 2012

    I know of one person who had lung cancer and when the doctor was asked how long - the answer was "weeks, not months" even with aggressive treatment.   Perhaps that is a question to ask and what potential results, quality/quantity of life are expected.  

    I am very sorry to hear of your Aunt's diagnosis.   Her age may be another consideration for an aggressive type of treatment.    

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited February 2012

    I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. As GramE said, sometimes patients decline treatment due to their age or other health issues, but that doesn't sound like the case here.

    I don't have any answers but as an FYI there are support services that may help your aunt or you (or other family members). Cancer support centers have a lot of free resources, like hotlines, counselors, and separate support groups for patients and caregivers (run by professionals).  My oncologist has a social worker who will meet privately with patients or caregivers (for free) and my surgeon had a "nurse educator" who will meet privately to discuss Dx and Tx options (perhaps your aunt is newly Dx and overwhelmed with info?).  I can't imagine what she's thinking or feeling but perhaps someone like that could help or at least help the family members. These situations are difficult for everyone. I'll send you warm thoughts.

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  • purple32
    purple32 Member Posts: 3,188
    edited April 2012

    I know a woman who has had BC ( recurred after 7 yrs) that went to lungs.  She is holding her own after 15 months , with chemo.  Not doing great ,  but holding her own.

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  • farghaneh
    farghaneh Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2012

    My aunt was hopitalized to undergo a chemotherapy but at the last moment resfused the treatement and came back home without having the chemo therapy. The specialist gave her Xeloda.

    Does anyone know this pill? her breast has become very big because of the tumour and it is bleeding.  

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  • Angelfalls
    Angelfalls Member Posts: 849
    edited April 2012

    Xeloda is a type of chemo which comes in tablet form. It can be very powerful and there are lots of people with mets who have been doing well on it for a long time -here in the UK, the "Xeloda Queen" has been on it for over 8 years! If you take a look at the Stage IV board, there are a number of threads where you'll find lots of information on this drug. Or use the Search facility (top right).



    Good luck to your aunt and to you, Angelfalls xx

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