Question:My Mom, Kitty, age 68, was diagnosed last two weeks ago with a metastatic breast cancer that has
moved to the bones (pelvis, shoulder, ribs -- not the long bones though)...and has not appeared
in any organs. My Mom is in pain, an can't really move around much -- she can make the stairs
in the house she lives in -- but I am afraid she won't be able to do that pretty soon.
The doctor has recommended a radiation therapy for a tumor on the spine, (if it appears to be
troublesome after the MRI results tomorrow) -- to be followed in three weeks by a chemo program
(CMF) to be administered intraveneously once every three weeks -- which was described as a mild
program consisting of three elements -- C,M, and F). In addition, the doctor is recommending
Iridia and Strontium, once a month, to strengthen the bones.
Does the radiation therapy on the tumor on her spine pose any special risks -- e.g., damage to
the spinal cord, or nervous system?
What's the prognosis -- time frames or likelihoods -- for this type of cancer to remain
contained? Is it highly variable -- or should be thinking in terms of quality of life and try
to avoid some of the more aggressive therapies if they are offered?
What should we be hopeful for?
Answer:My mom also has
metastatic bone cancer secondary to a breast cancer. She had chemo and
radiation about one year ago and now has a recurrence of spinal mets. The
radiation works well to decrease pain and fatigue seems to be the bigest
side effect. My mom also had cmf for her chemo and fatigue and nausea
seemed to be the biggest side effect. Depression and frustration also seem
to be a problem. (for both the caregiver and patient)
