Treatment for secondary breast cancer in bone

Hello, just looking for a bit of advice on how to support my mum. She is nearly 68 and has recently been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her shoulder bone. She had thyroid cancer about 10 years ago and breast cancer 5 years ago, both of which were successfully treated at the time (radio iodine for the thyroid, mastectomy and chemo for the breast). She is due to start medication (Ibrance I believe) and hormone injections soon, but after reading through the information leaflets and possible side effects she is feeling very down about things and worried about her quality of life going forward. If there is anyone going through similar treatment I would be very grateful to know about your experience. I’m trying to be as positive as I can about everything for her and I’m telling her that they are only possible side effects, but it’s hard as it’s not something I know much about.

  • Hello Purple_ren

    I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's recent diagnosis. I'm sure that this has been a difficult time for you both and it's understandable that you want to give her as much support as you can. 

    As with many medications, there are a whole host of possible side effects listed and it's understandable that your Mum is feeling anxious about how she will get on with the medication. I think it's important to remember that the treatment she had for her breast cancer 5 years ago and her thyroid cancer 10 years ago is quite different from the treatment being recommended by the Oncologist now. 

    I'd encourage you to give our team of nurses a call who I'm sure will be able to give you some information and advice that will hopefully reassure your Mum. They're available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator