My best friend has been referred to Hospice. Seeking advice.

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graceandmercy
graceandmercy Member Posts: 4
edited January 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

My best friend was diagnosed stage IV 2 years ago. Her mets are to the liver, some bone and lymph nodes. She is the type who wanted to downplay the cancer; did all suggested chemo treatments but otherwise never wanted to talk about it. Thus she isn't quite sure what her type of breast cancer is but she thinks, triple negative. I do have the list of chemos she tried but I'm not sure how to post them in my signature. None have worked on the liver mets. The last was Doxil administered twice, the last dose on 12/21/17. In her case it caused AWFUL side effects and now she is in liver failure. Her bilirubin is 3.7, ALP 1200. Also pseudo cirrhosis caused by the chemo along with severe swelling in the legs, feet and abdomen, mouth and throat sores, vomiting and no appetite. So as not to scare anyone, I realize this chemo has worked for some with minimal side effects. Before this round she looked fine and was functioning fine and now after two rounds of Doxil she has been told there is nothing more to do and she was recommended to hospice.

I am trying to be an advocate for her and wondering if she should seek a second opinion. She lives near Grand Rapids, MI and I was wondering if anybody could suggest a cancer center/and or doctor or offer any suggestions. I've read it is possible the chemo more than the cancer that has her so ill at this time and I'm hoping for some feedback to help us with the decision to keep fighting or accept hospice care. Perhaps someone can point me in the right direction where to post for more knowledge on where to seek a 2nd opinion.

Thank you so much and to all of those fighting, know that I hope and pray for all of you in this battle.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2018

    Dear graceandmercy, We are so sorry that your friend is struggling with stage 4 disease. You may want to check out the topics in the Forum for those who are caring for or supporting a loved one with stage 4 breast cancer. You may find others there who are experiencing similar situations and trying to support friends. There is also a topic in this forum for those with liver mets. You may want to review some of the threads for information. The Mods

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  • Legomaster225
    Legomaster225 Member Posts: 672
    edited January 2018

    I know it is not super close but could she get an opinion from U of M? Lots of clinical trials and research there. I'm not sure what is available in GR but it would be worth a couple hour drive for their thoughts at least.

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited January 2018

    graceandmercy, sorry to hear about your friend.

    A second opinion seems like a good idea. I would start a post here on the stage iv forum with the headline "Need Recommendations for Second Opinion near Grand Rapids MI"

    The headline is specific to what you want and need. In the post, give a brief overview of what your friend is experiencing and ask for advice. Hopefully you will get some recommendations.

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  • sandcastle
    sandcastle Member Posts: 587
    edited January 2018

    graceandmercy....Your concern is true Loyalty to your friend...But the fact is she has to want this herself.  One, never really knows what is in another persons mind...My BEST to you! Liz

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  • graceandmercy
    graceandmercy Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2018

    Thank you all for your responses. She does want a second opinion and I will post again for recommendations of doctors in her area.

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited January 2018

    Graceandmercey...so sorry about your friend. She is lucky to have you. I don't know where she is being treated but I would recommend she gets a second opinion at a major university teaching hospital. Good luck and keep us posted.

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited January 2018

    I think you're sort of "stuck" with either Ann Arbor (UMich), or Chicago. Those are the closest NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.

    [if you google the term you can find a map].

    She can get a second opinion and a treatment plan at either of those places. Then carry out the plan at home.

    The difficulty here may be that most chemos require the liver working in order for the body to process the chemo. If her liver isn't working she's limited in the treatments she can take. I'm sure there are ways to support the liver so I'm not suggesting you give up.

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