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Secondary Breast Cancer - Recent Spread

Hannah0203
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Hello,

I am hoping someone could help.

My Mum was diagnosed in 2006 with stage 3 breast cancer (oestrogen related) after fec chemo & radiotherapy she was cleared. In 2012, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her spine (the L3). It stayed dormant until 2016 when she had a spread, and again in May 2018 she had a small spread in her pelvis. 

She is now fully disabled after losing the use of her right leg, and unfortunately, her left one is going too. Her mobility drastically reduced very quickly over a few short months. We had this devastating news this week that the cancer has spread in 3 places in her spine. In her sacrum in the l3, the l2 and t10. In addition, she has one nodule in her lungs and one in her liver which is around 35mm. 

She has previously been on tamoxifen and monthly injection of Denosumab. This was a significant spread in 3-4 months so we're obviously very worried. Apart from being disabled and completely drugged up, she says she generally feels fine. 

What hope is there of keeping it at bay or is the beginning of the end?

We can't see the oncologist for another week and he has said he doesn't know which treatment would be best as it depends on what she could tolerate so needs to see her first. Does anyone have any advice or stories they can share? What should we be asking for? I am a transitioning vegan and have tried convincing her that meat and dairy aren't good! 

I would be so grateful for anything, good or bad, thank you

Hannah

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    Dear Hannah,

    I noticed the time you posted so I think you arent sleeping well through worry and love of your mum. This is such a sad situation for you to be in when you are looking for answers that no one can give you. Maybe not even your oncologist. You can only put it in the professionals hands. Good luck with her appointment. 

    Your mum's cancer sounds widespread and that's what you have to face up to for her sake. The fact she says she is feeling fine is great news as her drugs are controlling her pain. Encourage her to keep what mobility she has so it doesn't decrease through muscle wastage because she isnt exercising.

    Good luck with your vegan diet- not easy! I think a healthy diet for all of us living with cancer is ideal but if she fancies a lean  steak with buttered potatoes please ask would she like mustard and pass it graciously!

    I'm sorry I can't be of any more help but remember all the strangers who care.

    WeeMaw xxx. 

     

     

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    Hi Hannah,

    Welcome to our forum, where I hope that you and your mum will get the support and advice you need, as well as the chance to rant when needed.

    I am so sorry to hear about the prognosis for your mum. She has certainly been through the mill, hasn't she? This sounds similar to the experience we had with my mum 21 years ago. She was initially diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy, followed by radiotherapy. She survived for 12 years after this until she was diagnosed with secondary cancer which had spread to her brain, bones, liver and lungs. Sadly, she went downhill rapidly after this.

    My mum wasn't offered any further treatment, although many are now offered chemo to buy a little more time, even if it cannot cure the cancer. I sincerely hope that the oncologist may be able to offer this to your mum.

    I am sorry that this does not make the outlook seem very rosy for you, but I found it helpful to know what to look out for and what I could do to help her. It is a hard road to travel, but you will help enormously by just being there for your mum.

    If I can be of any help in the future, you only have to ask.

    Thinking of and praying for you both.

    Kind regards

    Jolamine xx

     

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