My mom is stage IV

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katyand4
katyand4 Member Posts: 171
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

  Ugh...very long couple of weeks ladies.  Started week before X-mas and it has been down hill since.  My mom has been diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer.  Mets to hips, spines and femur were mentioned and also couple lesions showed up in the liver.  Already started her on letrozole and monthly infusions of zometa.  Pain pills and lidocaine patches are helping to control the pain.   Hoping she has as much good fortune as some of those amazing ladies on the stage iv boards.  Mom lives with me and I think I've been more exhausted these past couple weeks then I was going thru treatment myself.  Cancer sucks...Katie 

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  • Annie54
    Annie54 Member Posts: 247
    edited January 2014

    So sorry about your Mom's progression Katie. They have many treatment options for mets these days so hopefully they can stabilize her and deal with her pain successfully. Care-taking someone going through a major illness is difficult and draining. I nursed my brother who had HIV many years ago and can relate to how hard it is...especially with a loved one. Be sure and take care of yourself.....taking breaks when you need to. There is a thread on these boards for caretakers - it may be helpful for you. Big hugs for you and your mom.

    Annie

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2014

    So sorry, Katie, for what your mom is dealing with.  Annie is right about taking care of yourself and taking breaks. As a caretaker, in a strong emotional investment in the patient, the best thing one can do is stay strong and fresh for your loved one with cancer.

    Oceana

    marvelous-nicole-rodriguez.jpg (180×119)

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited January 2014

    Oh Katy, I'm so sorry.  Right after I finished tx. I moved my grandma in my house when she had Alzheimer's, it was not easy and trying at times.  I have no regrets looking back and would do it again in a minute.  I agree with others, please take time for yourself, its easy to get caught up with things going on and forget your own needs.  Wishing you strength and patience in the days ahead and wishing your mom the best with tx.  Come here often if you need to vent, we're here.

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  • katyand4
    katyand4 Member Posts: 171
    edited January 2014

    Thank you ladies.  As always this board is great comfort but I am also blessed with some incredible siblings, children and hubby.  

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  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 2,182
    edited January 2014

    I think I'd be a total wreck if I learned my mom, sisters or daughters developed BC. Somehow it's easier to be stoic than it is to care so much, it hurts. I am terribly sorry you are dealing with this on two levels.  Prayers for you both.

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  • hopefour
    hopefour Member Posts: 459
    edited January 2014

    Katyand4...so sorry to hear about your mom, but trust she'll receive the best of care and treatment with you as her daughter!! Please do care for yourself and don't feel guilty to take time to exercise, eat well and rest. You are import to so many who need you ( 4 kids) and it remains very important to keep yourself healthy!!

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  • lkc
    lkc Member Posts: 1,203
    edited January 2014

    Hi Katy, I am sorry about this. My mom was dxed with stage IV after 20 years of an initial  BC dx. She had so many liver lesions that couldn't count them!

     anyway, She lived on many years of good health  and passed away with many other medical conditions.

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  • katyand4
    katyand4 Member Posts: 171
    edited January 2014

    Linda, thank you for sharing it is because of these stories that I am hopeful for mom.  

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