Diagnosis... Stage Four Breast Cancer into the Bones

boothie
boothie Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I am a survivor of Breast Cancer with one positive lymph node affected. Was diagnosed end of 2005 and had double mastectomy, chemo, and radiation throughout 2006. Now my best friend has just been diagnosed yesterday with Stage Four Breast Cancer and it's in the bones already. Not sure how this will be treated or if it can be treated successfully. Is there anybody out there who has knowledge of this situation or knows somebody going through this? She has had mammograms religiously(her mother is a breast cancer survivor also) and nothing was ever detected. Only reason they found it was she had knee pain and when doing the MRI, found white spots in the bones of the femurs and shoulder-bones. On to a bone biospy and hence the diagnosis of breast cancer that's spreaded into the bones. Wondering what kind of treatment they'll give her..?? Anybody out there with any knowledge of this??

Comments

  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #2
    STAGE 4 SURVIVOR
    Well, I have not had cancer in my bones I have had it mastastisize and I was a stage 4. It moved to my chest wall and was in the muscle. I was given 12 rounds of chemo and 10 weeks of rads. That was 10 years ago and i did get it again but it was just a stage 2 and i am fine now.

    My heart and prayers go out to you both!

    RE
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #3
    Cancer into the Bones
    Women who have breast cancer metastases to bone often benefit from treatment with bone-strengthening drugs called bisphosphonates, given in addition chemotherapy. Monthly injections of drugs like Zometa can reduce the likelihood of complications from the bone metastases, such as bone fractures. The drug literally makes the bone an inhospitable place for cancer to thrive. Depending on your friend's pathology reports, additional hormonal therapy might also be appropriate.
    Bisphosphonates have proven so successful, they're looking at adding them to treatment for early breast cancer as well.
    I'll keep your friend in my prayers.
    terri
  • boothie
    boothie Member Posts: 4
    #4
    Diagnosis...Stage Four Breast Cancer into the Bones
    Thankyou so much for letting me know that being diagnosed with Stage Four is not the end of the world. It's so scary to be diagnosed with cancer, let alone have it be Stage Four and in the bones so quickly. I do appreciate your replies, jb
  • imsurvivng
    imsurvivng Member Posts: 4
    #5
    Stage 4 Breast Cancer with Mets
    Hi, I am a 5 year survivor of stage 4 breast cancer with mets. It is not a death sentence, it is a chronic condition. Having said that, there are many and I stress many options of chemo and radiation treatment. The Dr's have a lot of options and with all the medical breakthroughs, it is very, very good.

    I started in a clinical trial that lasted about 1 year. After that, i discussed the next option with my Dr. Make sure your friend has frank, open discussions with the Dr. Discuss what the chemo drug is, the side effects, etc. Then go on line or wherever and research it yourself. Must know everything that you can before treatment.

    Also, keep a diary of what the treatment is, make a chart of the side effects, days I felt good, days I felt horrible, etc. This will help you track problems, but more importantly, you can show the Dr. and make right decisions.

    I hope this is enough to start with. Please let me know if I can help!

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