Stage 4 Cancer. Please help!

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Kimberly22
Kimberly22 Member Posts: 4
edited August 2015 in Just Diagnosed

My mother has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer this past Monday. Just 2 months prior, she had her yearly mammogram done. The test came back with a suspicious result and another test was given. The second test came back fine and nothing was found. A few days after her mammograms,` she started having sever pain in her upper left breast and chest area. We chalked it up to the mammogram and thought it was just possibly some light bruising . The pain progressed to her upper back, shoulder and arm. The pain became unbearable and after several visits (4 visits in less than 10 days),her doctor finally ordered a bone scan. The scan came back with a lytic lesion on her skull and they took blood for some extensive testing. 2 days later she was rushed (practically in a comatose state) to the ER. Her calcium levels were extremely high and had extremely low oxygen levels. After a few days, her calcium was under control and began treatment for the pain. A few days later her blood tests came back and we were told by the Oncologist that she had stage 4 lung cancer that it has spread in to her spleen, liver and in the bones. A biopsy was done and she was able to return home.

Last Monday we went to her doctors office to go over the biopsy results. The results came back that it was breast cancer not lung cancer. How can this happen? Could the 2nd mammogram have missed this? and if nothing was detected on the mammogram, is it even possible that it could have spread that fast within 2 months? We still cannot find any type of lump in her breast whatsoever. I am so upset and confused by this! Any information, answers and/or resources would be of a great help! We have not seen the Oncologist since the biopsy was done. We have an appointment with him this Monday. Please advise me of any additional questions I should ask him. Thanks! Kimberly


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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited August 2015

    I am so sorry. Mammograms don't always reveal cancer. MRI and ultrasounds may be needed. Does she have lobular invasive? Ask also about estrogen/progesterone levels and her2 status. She might have some addition treatment options. Good luck.

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  • Kimberly22
    Kimberly22 Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2015

    Hi,

    I don't know what lobular invasive even means. This is all new to us, and like I stated, we have not seen the Oncologist since the biopsy was done. The doctor did say it was treatable, but not curable.

    As far as her mammogram, she had a second one done. I'm not sure what kind of test they gave her and if an ultrasound was given. I will ask her and find out. I would think since the first mammogram came back suspicious, she would have had a more extensive test given, not just another mammogram, but I'm not sure.

    Thank you for your concern. I will ask about the hormone levels , I read a little bit about that.

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  • solfeo
    solfeo Member Posts: 838
    edited August 2015

    At this hour I don't think there is that much activity on the boards, but I just want to offer my support and best wishes so you know someone is listening. I'm new at this too so that's all I got right now, but I'm sure you will get plenty of knowledgeable responses before long. The women here are a great source of support. Just when you think you're going to lose it someone will come along and talk you down. What I can say from experience is that the worst part is getting the news and not knowing what any of it means.The more you know the better prepared you will be to do what you have to do. Hang in there!


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  • Kimberly22
    Kimberly22 Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2015

    Thanks so much! :)

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  • Kimberly22
    Kimberly22 Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2015

    Thanks so much! :)

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  • debiann
    debiann Member Posts: 1,200
    edited August 2015

    occult primary bc

    Above is a link describing occult primary breast cancer. It is a rare condition in which breast cancer has spread to another part of the body, but the primary tumor can't be found in the breast.

    It is unlikey that the cancer spread that fast in two months, it was probably growing for awhile.

    Your oncologist will decribe your mother's cancer (there are different types) and he will discuss the treatment options. 

    Prayer's for your family.

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  • 3-16-2011
    3-16-2011 Member Posts: 559
    edited August 2015

    kimberly

    So sorry for what your family is going through. I am unsure if this is available in your area but you could ask to meet with a cancer navigator. This is typically a nurse or social worker who can give you lots of time and explain information in laymens terms. Sending positive energy to u and your mom.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited August 2015

    kimberly, you need a copy of the biopsy report which will detail the characteristics of the cancer, which will then indicate treatment options.

    You can also get opinions on treatment from more than one oncologist as their advice may vary.

    If you can post the biopsy results here, in particular Er/Pr and Her2 and IDC or ILC, we can also advise you further.

    Keep in touch.




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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2015

    Hi Kimberly, we're very sorry for what you're going through, but glad that you've found us and decided to post. We're sure you'll find BCO a wealth of support and knowledge.

    Besides this forum, you may also be interested in posting under the For Family and Caregivers of Members with STAGE IV Diagnosis forum, a place where family members and caregivers of members having a Stage IV diagnosis can talk, exchange and support one another.

    Let us know how everything goes on Monday. We're here for you!

    The Mods

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