Pls need advice Stage IIIB

zohra
zohra Member Posts: 197
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

My mother diagnosis with breast Cancer on oct 2012. She had chemo(TAC) for six month then she had surgery. After , her surgery the doctor came to know the cancer spread on pictorial muscles. So , they had to do another surgery . She had another surgery. After , her second surgery she started radiation for three months. Its almost four months ago she done with radiation . But , she has still pain. I thought she will be fine after radiation but she has different issues . She is taking Arimidix and oxsicodine for pain. She do some exercise and try to eat healthy.

Mostly  she has lots of pain in her arm , shoulder . back. Specially in her arm and she feel heavy.

One time she was not able to move her arm but after few days she started to move like it use to be.

Then she had urinary tract infection.

She was admit in hospital for few day . They gave her antibiotics through IV.  My question is that how long its going to take her to heal?

I had to resign from my job. I am the only one who taking care her. We are going through financial hardship. She don't have any health insurance too. I want she heal then I can focus my life.

Thanks

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

    Hi Zohra,

     I  am sorry your mom is having a difficult time. She has been through a lot especially having chemo for 6 mos and multiple surgeries, as well as radiation tx.  We are never " fine" directly after such aggressive  treatment. She may just need more time to heal, especially if she is older in years. She has scar tissue which can be painful as well, so exercise is very important. It can be years for some of us.  Has she had scans since her last treatment to determine that there hasn't been any additional spread of her disease?  Please speak with her doctor if she continues to have more pain, or if it is getting worse. I know it must be difficult for you being the caregiver.

     I hope she starts feeling better soon.

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited March 2014

    Zohra, I'm so sorry for what you both are going through!  It's too much to have breast cancer, and then to pile on financial hardship and pain.  Do you accompany your mom to her appointments with the Oncologist?  I would ask to see the social worker that the office has on staff, or whoever deals with managing the financial aspect of it.  They can connect you with a lot of organizations that can help her out financially.  In addition, the pain and heaviness are unacceptable and she needs some physical therapy.  It sounds like you may be describing lymphedema, a side effect of surgery and radiation that needs to be treated.  Her doctor should be able to refer her to a physical therapist who is qualified to treat LE.  I found through my own journey that it Is important to speak up about what your needs are and keep asking until you get help.  Most people are surprised at the help that is out there, but sometimes they don't offer it until you ask.  Good luck in getting your mom whole and healthy.

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited March 2014

    Hi Zohra,

    I am so sorry you and your Mom are going through such a difficult time.  I wish I could say there is a "magic" day all will be better, but each person's body heals differently.  I get the impression that English may be your second language?  Is there someone who can interpret things to you and your Mom in detail so you understand how complicated this disease is?  There are no simple answers.  Depending on where you are in Virginia, there should be some support groups nearby you and your Mom may want to go to.  They will help guide you through this process.  Ask your local hospital if they have one, or Google "Breast Cancer Support Groups" in your area.''  Be good to yourself and your Mom.  It's a hard journey but you can make it.

    Let us know how you are doing.

    Sharon

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited March 2014

    Has your mom been checked for Lymphedema?  The symptoms you mention about her arm

    and trunk could be Lymphedema.

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  • Kicks
    Kicks Member Posts: 4,131
    edited March 2014

    An appt with a CERTIFIED LymphEdema Therapist is a good idea for all after surgery.  A CLT will also be either a PT (Physical Therapist) or an OT (Occupational Therapist) - both are different but so similar in many ways.   My CLT is an OT.

    When your Mom lost arm movement was she checked for a TIA/stroke.  LE doesn't normally cause the inability to move the affected arm.  Also the effects of LE do not get better without treatment - a TIA/stroke can.

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