Breast Cancer spread in liver and bones

[Nick250]

Age 45 years

Final diagnosis -  K/C/O/ CA Breast with bone and liver metastases Stage IV

Her Neu Score=3, ER/PR Negative

The PET SCAN recently done comments as under

Known case of Carcinoma right breast post 6 cycles of chemotherapy: the present study reveals low grade metabolic activity in the right breast primary site and metabolicaly activeextensive skeletol and liver metastases.

Findings:

Evidence of multiple FDG avid hypodense lesions in lever largest one in segment VII measuring 5.8 X 4.5 cms with an SUV of 7.69

Mild FDG avid soft tissue lesion in right breast  lower outer quadrant measuring 2.8 X 2.3 cms SUV 1.44

Medicines taken in Chemotherapy

Patient has received 6 cycles of TAC. (Docetere+Blastere+Adrim+ Ledoxin+Palgene)

My questions are

1) What should be next course of actions/medicines that will help removal of total cancer spread in the body?
2) Are there any agency/trusts which provide FREE drugs for HER2 patients?
3) Can it be completely cured? Chances of recurrence?

Kind regards,

Nick

[japdip]

I'm going to answer your questions to the best of my ability but I would like to suggest that you post your concerns on the "Expert" Forum (Breast Cancer) where the Dr.s from The Cleveland Clinic answer. They may be offline for the Holiday week-end but they will get to you eventually.  Now to your questions ... #1 -- Your Oncologist would be the best source of information as far as treatment now BUT I do not believe that the metastises you mention can be erradicated ... only treated.  #2 -- This one would be best answered by the Oncologist also .... they know of any drugs available from various drug manufacturers that might be available at a reduced cost. It would depend greatly on the drug, the company, your circumstances (financial).  #3 -- Stage 4 (metastatic cancer) cannot be cured and therefore recurrance would not be a factor. Many pt. s with Stage 4 have survived a considerable length of time but this depends on the organs involved and the degree of involvement.   Kindest regards .....

[redfish805]

I am a stage IV BC patient and have been for 12 years.  There are many, and more things out there now then 12 years ago.  But unfortunately, the only thing that can help the total body is chemo.  Radiation to bones is very effective (depending on the location) and there are many different types of radiation, ie TOMO, cybreknife.  One or two spots in the bone can be radiated at one time, but not the whole body.  As for the liver, radiation could be an option (again size and location matter).  I also had radiofrequency ablation to my liver, twice, and then still had to have radiation and am still having some problems.  But remember, you can still live with a small partion of you liver, as long as it is healthy.  I also have been doing herceptin since it has been on the market.  It has slowed the activity down.  Your doctor would have to help you get assistance with that but most insurance companies cover it since it is not experimental.

I wish you the best and the best life posible.  Just remember, you still can live a long life.  It just may not be the life you would wished for.  But, as my daughter is always telling me, "If God brought you to it, He will bring you though it and in His time."  Just keep asking questions and looking for answers.  They will come.

[Nick250]

Thanks a lot for your time. Thanks for your wishes too. Kind regards, ~ Nick