Breast Cancer 6 years ago

[Randy1951]

My wife has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, metastisized from breast cancer 6 years ago.  Following a PET scan she was show to have cancer in rib cage (with one broken rib due to cancer) and in the spine and hip.  She is also having fluid buildup in her abdomen.  The doc (cancer surgeon) said that the only course of treatment is end-of-life hospice.

We meet this Wed. with our regular oncology doctor.  As the caregiver, what should I do?  Are there treatment options?  From what the surgeon said it was in the peridium (sp?) liver has cirrhosis (from chemo) kidneys and etc.  I read that PET scans sometimes give false readings.

Help

[rindaaa]

First of all...I am so sorry to here about your wifes situation.  I've been dealing with an aggressive breast cancer for almost 4 yrs so my heart goes out to you  both.

In that 4 yrs I've been dealing with this I've talked to and know of many woman that went on to beat down the cancer to become stable and still live a good quality of life.  So my very best advice to you would be to get your wife a 2nd and even 3rd opinion asap.  Make sure you go "out of network" for another oncologist.   At least this way you will find out if there are truly any other options out there for her.  And if they concur with her current oncologist...you will both have peace of mind. I would never take one oncologist opinion as the gospel.  Make sure there really aren't any other treatment options out there for your wife by getting other opinions.  I've seen many good results from doing just this.  Wishing you the best...bless you both.  

Chelee

[SueYoung55]

I would get another opinion or two. There are a lot of women who have mets that are doing fine with treatment. Unless they found her cancer and her other organs are shutting down entirely, I would go for the fight to win!