my mother 71 years

ZZZAAAZZZAAA, it would help if you were a bit more specific regarding the sort of information you are looking for regarding your mom's tumor marker readings.

From what you are saying, I'm guessing that she was diagnosed with early stage (I, II or III) breast cancer at some point in the past, and has been taking arimidex for a while after the initial treatments (surgery, maybe chemo and radiation). Now she had her tumor markers tested and they came back very high, at 604.

Tumor markers that high are unfortunately usually only found if the cancer has returned, either in the breast or somewhere else in the body. The next step would probably be to get some type of scan - CT, PET/CT, bone scan, MRI or a combination of the above, depending on where in the world you are and what is the standard protocol. Then, depending on what the scans show, she will be treated either with local treatment (if there is a recurrence in the breast or under arm lymph nodes only) or with some sort of systemic therapy if the cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the scans, the ER/PR/HER status of the tumor and available approved drugs, she might be put on a different hormonal treatment (for example Faslodex), oral chemo (for example Xeloda) or iv chemo (for example taxol). A targeted therapy might be added (for example Herceptin if she is HER positive or Ibrance/Kisqali/Verzenio if she is ER positive/HER negative).

There is hope regardless of what the scans say, especially if your mother is feeling relatively fine at this time. Even if the cancer has spread beyond the breast, many women live for years after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. It all depends on how well she responds to the therapies. It's very scary in the beginning, until you have more information, but it tends to get better with time, especially if the first line of treatment works.

Best of luck to you and your mom.

I can see why you would be scared. I am hoping that the oncologists and cancer team looking after your mother are keeping her updated and have given her a clear understanding of her diagnosis and her options.

Yes, It is a very common first step, when first diagnosis with metastasis, to start with a hormone therapy.

There are many factors involved in treating metastatic disease but you will find there are just as many treatments available.

Have a very calm and understanding talk with your mom. Let her share with youwhat she knows about her diagnosis...she may have all the answers you’re looking for. If not, there are answers here.

Since your Mom is stage 4 with liver mets her oncologist probably has an idea for treatment that would be less harsh than a preventive "healthy" young early stage BC patient. Ask the doctor about your concerns on her treatment options. There is another thread for stage 4 with liver mets. Many people are managing and even staying cancer free.