Hi Gksinger,

Welcome to our community. I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law's cancer diagnosis. You do not say what age she is or how good her general health is. There are many different types of breast cancer and some are more aggressive than others.

I am not a doctor, just a breast cancer lady. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 9 years. First time I had a lumpectomy, and, second time around I had a double mastectomy. Both were very straightforward - much easier than expected. I also cared for my own mum, who had primary breast cancer for 12 years before she developed secondary cancer. She had it in her liver, lungs, brain and bones.

It sounds as if your mum is in a similar position. Sadly, my mum died 21 years ago and there was no offer of treatment at all at that time. Your mum's doctors may be trying to remove as much of the cancerous tissue  in her breasts to try and prevent it from spreading to other areas. I suspect that this will still be palliative.

Have the doctors discussed whether chemo or radiotherapy might be of any benefit to her? Sometimes these are used to try and buy extra time, but this has to be weighed up against quality of life too, as these treatments can take a lot out of her. You might find it helpful to draw up a list of questions before you see her consultant again. It is all too easy to forget important questions in the heat of the moment, so you are as well to be armed with your list for each appointment.

Do please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx