Breast Cancer - Spread to the Lungs

Hi,

I have a family member that has been diagnosed with Breast cancer, after all the tests it has come back that the breast cancer has spread to the lungs aswell- it has been classed as 'incurable'. Chemo started however after the first 3 cycles and further testing it appeared that the treatment had not made any change to the cancer. After being put on a second type of chemo we thought this would the one, however after the 3 cycles it appears this chemo has also not worked.

We have now been advised of clinical trials. I don't fully understand the concept of this 'incurable cancer' does this mean its terminal but they cant put a timeline on it? Also do clinical trials work? 

Thanks x

  • A curable disease is one that can be "fixed" and it is gone. My partner has a stage 4 cancer, it's incurable, so she will have the support of an oncologist until she dies. 

     

    However, it's not all doom and gloom. There are so many treatments and once these are exhausted (or at the same time) there are so many options for relief ofbthe symptoms and side effects. It's scary for everyone. 

     

    I hope my "take" on the situation will help you make sense of it. In the meantime, visit and take whatever they ask ... maybe flowers, maybe ginger biscuits(helps with nausea for some) or maybe huge cream cakes (they aren't counting calories ever again) or maybe just offer them something to smile about. 

  • Thank you so much for your words of wisdom. It is greatly appreciated. :)