Mets to the uterus/pelvis from ILC

theresalwayshope
theresalwayshope Member Posts: 49
edited June 2016 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

My mom got diagnosed with bone metastasis two years back..she had ILC treated in the year 2000. She took anastrazole and then exemestane and everolimus and things were relatively fine.

What happened over the course of two months is bard to deal with.. She had severe pain inthe lower abdomen and the Inguinal region while we awaited a pet scan in a couple of days..the scan showed suspicious uptake in pelvis and a biopsy confirmed mets to the uterus. She also developed diplopia over the course of a few days and one of her eye muscles seems to be affected!


I'm sorry fr the long post but no matter how many times I repeat the history I can't believe how quickly everything has happened. My question is,our oncologist told me that now that it's progressive disease they will continue with chemotherapy fr as long as she responds..I don't understand, how can the body withstand chemotherapy indefinitely..

Hoping to hear from someone :(

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  • Livnonhope
    Livnonhope Member Posts: 10
    edited May 2016

    theresalwayshope,

    I am sorry to hear about your mother. My mother has a very similar diagnoses with mets to her ovaries and perineum. I find it hard to believe that your mother cannot try another hormone drug. ILC is usually Estrogen/progesterone positive and HER2- which responds more to hormones rather than chemotherapy. Taxol is usually used when there is a significant progression but from what I have seen with most ladies on here is they try another hormone treatment after a response from chemo. It does not sound like your mother has tried all hormone therapy from what you have written. I would question her oncologist and make sure you understood he/she correctly to be on chemo indefinitely. Also, do not be afraid to get a second opinion ever! When my mother just recently reoccurred we switched oncologists. Will be thinking of you and your mother. Prayers to you during this hard time.

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  • Holeinone
    Holeinone Member Posts: 2,478
    edited May 2016

    there's always hope,

    I am new to a stage 4 dx. Also have lobular Cancer. My understanding is some MO will start with chemo, get the mets under control & then switch to an AI.

    I have had progression while receiving Taxatere. Liver tumors dying but now spine mets. It is all confusing, I really think it's kinda of a guessing game. What will work, for how long. My Cancer seems aggressive. I am having a PET scan tomorrow, to check out the spinal fracture, metastasis. Trying to stay positive, but reality is a constant reminder. I assume I will go on a AI next. I did 2 years of Arimidex.

    Is surgery a option for your mom? I guess I would want the uterus yanked.

    My daughter will be 30 in a few months. My concern is for her to get whatever testing, starting now. A baseline MRI, or whatever the Drs. Suggest. Always the bottom line, what will insurance pay for.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited May 2016

    Theresalwayshope, to address your question about chemotherapy: It is important to know that the chemo approach for stage iv is different from the chemo approach for early stage. With early stage, they often use high doses of two or three drugs in sequence. The person has to get through a very hard time, but then they are done. With stage iv, it is typically easier. They may use just one drug, at lower doses given in a weekly infusion or a daily pill. The idea is to treat the cancer in a way that still gives the person decent quality of life, because they are in treatment long-term. Sometimes the doctors recommend a break from chemo. So don't think of any chemo horror stories you may have heard. It is often possible to carry on a pretty normal life on chemo for stage iv, without a lot of suffering.

    Secondly, while it is useful to learn how others are being treated, your mom's plan must be individualized for her. The doctors consider her health and previous treatments, and the characteristics and locations of the cancer. It is always appropriate to get a second opinion at the best cancer center you can access. Sometimes surgery is part of the plan, and sometimes not; the risks and benefits must be weighed.

    Be sure you get some support and help for yourself as you are helping your mom.

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  • munlyn
    munlyn Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2016

    My mother had the same thing with her eye muscle. She was able to get surgery and radiation that helped her eye. So sorry your mom is going through this.

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  • theresalwayshope
    theresalwayshope Member Posts: 49
    edited May 2016

    thank you everyone for replying..I feel much better now than when I posted the question.

    Surgery isn't an option as the metastasis seems to have inflilterated beyond the uterus and to the lymph nodes..also I don't think she can withstand any major surgery.

    Chemo seems to be working magic, most of her symptoms have gone just after the third chemo dose. Her eye movement and Diplopia has considerably improved, the lower limbs debilitating edema has also subsided. Her only complaint is tiredness.

    She will be on taxol three weeks and one week off schedule. I hope she gets even better and adjusts well to the new regimen.

    Thank you holeineone,livnonhope,shetlandpony,munlyn for replying. I was so distressed and as always this site proved to be the only place where I found comfort and reassurance. Good day to all of you :)


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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited June 2016

    I'm so glad to hear your mom is doing better, and that you are feeling better, too.

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