I hope I am in the right place, if not I am sorry.
My Mum had a tumour in her breast 10 years ago which was successfully removed, she then had radiotherapy and was on hormone meds for 5 years. A few months ago, she started feeling off-colour, didn’t want to eat, felt tired all the time etc so went to the doctors.
A shadow appeared on a routine xray and after much to-ing and fro-ing she has been given a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer. The thing is, there is no tumour, anywhere. She has had various scans and ultrasounds, but no growth of cells, just random cells somewhere which has caused her lymph nodes to swell. I can’t seem to find any info or prognosis in this instance on the net, only about secondary spreading to other major organs which it hasn’t.
She is starting chemotherapy next week, but have basically said as there is no tumour to remove, she will probably have cancer for the rest of her life and will have to learn to live with it. What does this mean? Why are they doing chemo if it won’t get rid of the cancer and if she only has random cells and no tumours, surely the chemo will get rid of them and that will be that, won’t it? I am so confused and upset right now, I have a one year old daughter who my parents adore and I live quite far away from her so I am just feeling devastated and confused. Sorry to ramble on, I didn’t know where else to turn.
I am sorry to read of your Mum’s recent diagnosis. Whilst you wait for the other forum users to reply with their experiences and knowledge you may find it useful to read the BCC information booklet on secondary breast cancer. It has been written for anyone who has been diagnosed with secondaries and provides detailed information on many of the topics that may be of concern. To find this booklet just follow this link:-
If the booklet doesn’t help answer your questions please don’t hesitate to give the BCC helpline a call as here you are able to share any concerns you have about your Mum’s diagnosis with a trained member of staff, who will offer you support and information if required. The number is 0808 800 6000 and the line are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm Sunday.
Hi
I am sorry to hear your news. I had breast cancer and then mine returned 18 months later in my lymph nodes in my neck. I had chemo and have been clear for 3 1/2 years. My cancer will return one day but for now i am in remission. The chemo will kill any stray cancer cells in her body which is the best move to take.
Phone the number given before this and please let me know how it goes.
Thank you so much for replying lupin, sounds similar. I do feel hopeful that you are OK after all this time, maybe it won’t come back for many years to come? We both have to have hope. I will call the number tomorrow, it’s been a crap weekend. My best wishes and gratitude for listening. Much love and luck to you Xx