Stage 4 breast cancer metastasized to bones experience

My mum was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer 5 years ago. It is quite widely spread within her bones however she has been quite stable for 5 years on letrozole and zometa. She has recently changed to line 2 treatment as uptake in bones which didn't agree with her bloods so quickly changed to line 3. She just had a scan and was told everything is stable but was noted she had inflammation on her lung which they aren't concerned and will check on it in 3 months again at next scan. I am really worried this is the start of it spreading to her lung. Does anyone have any experience with cancer spreading to bones and then lungs and what prognosis is like? She's only 57. 

  • Hello Rach3112, 

    I am sorry to hear about your mum's diagnosis and that her cancer has spread to her bones but I am pleased to hear though that she has been quite stable for 5 years and that her latest scan confirmed that everything is currently stable. I can understand why you are feeling concerned about the fact that an inflammation on her lung has been noted but I think it is reassuring that they have mentioned that they are not too worried about it. It is normal to be worried though. I hope that you will hear from others on the forum who have had a similar diagnosis before or who have looked after a loved one who has been in a similar situation. 

    Unfortunately no one will be able to give you an estimate as to what her prognosis might be as this is often really difficult to predict and will inevitably vary from one person to another. Your mum's medical team will be best placed though to tell you more so don't hesitate to ask them. 

    There is in depth information on our website on advanced breast cancer on this page which I hope will answer some of the questions you may have at the moment. Don't hesitate to give our nurses a call too on this free number 0808 800 4040 if you wish to talk things through with them- their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

    Very best wishes to you and your mum, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator