Just diagnosed with stage 4 triple-neg

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supergene
supergene Member Posts: 3
edited October 2014 in Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis

My mom has just been diagnosed.  This is so hard for us.  She's only 79 and has still so
much to contribute to the world. It's in her liver and lungs.  There's
also a malignant growth in her stomach which is being determined what
type it is. We started on
Taxol this week. She lost her appetite, weak, and scared.  Please let us know
how we can deal with it best.  We are in the Los Angeles area. Thank
you.

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  • geewhiz
    geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
    edited October 2014

    Supergene (Jean is my name too !) -- I am so sorry about your mom. I am sure folks who are Stage 4 and more knowledgeable will come along. But I want you to know that you are not alone, I am praying for you and your family right now. Just take things a day at a time, keeping your mom happy and comfortable. Focus on whatever each day brings and it will not feel so overwhelming. Find something to bring a smile to her face each day.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited October 2014

    I am so sorry to hear that your mom (and you) have to deal with this. I would focus on quality of life at this point. Unless any treatments they offer her are free (or almost free) of side effects I would make sure she is comfortable instead of putting her through side effects to secure a few more months. I hope she is able to let you know what she would prefer and then do what you can to make that happen.

    Wishing you peace and comfort.

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  • supergene
    supergene Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2014

    Thank you, she had no negative reaction to Taxol, which I think is good news.  She's just not eating right, probably because of the growth in her stomach.  I hope they can remove it.  She has a lot of fight in her.  Maybe they can increase Taxol dose to be more effective. Also, any talk of nursing home or hostice makes mom go crazy, she says she will never leaver her home, but she lives alone and I live 60 miles away...I want to spend as much time with her as possible but it's so hard to drive 120 miles every day...

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited October 2014

    Hospice isn't the same as palliative care. A palliative care team would come to her home to see if she needs help with anything and to help getting the right medications etc. They work with the patient to make sure they are getting what they need. I am glad she has no effects from taxol. I am wishing her the best. Sounds like she will handle it all fine.  Take care of yourself.

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  • supergene
    supergene Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2014

    Thank you, yes she will handle it, she's a survivor!!!  We have a home nurse come starting tomorrow, for an interview, so things are rolling along, it sounds like we're on the right track.  I just don't think we're ready to go into "making her last days comfy" mode, we're fighting on together, and thank you for the encouragement.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited October 2014

    Hi supergene, I'm sorry about your mom's situation. It is good that she has a fighting attitude and you are there to support her. 

    Stay hopeful that your mom will respond well to chemo. And if in doubt or concerned about the way treatment is progressing, don't hesitate to get a second opinion from a major cancer hospital.

    Keep coming here for information and support.

    Saying a prayer for you both.

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  • smiley47
    smiley47 Member Posts: 215
    edited October 2014

    Hi:

    I noticed your post and felt your utter panic, but rest assured if the taxol does its job she might live several more years.  No one knows until we try the medications available, I have mets in the bones and several organs and when on taxol with limited side effects (I actually feel better and function better than when on the anti-hormonals) the tumours have all disappeared and I feel great.

    Good luck

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