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

[Nick250]

Age 45 years

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

Her2 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?
4) How long will be the survival if no medicines will help now?

Kind regards,

Nick

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Nick:  There are a variety of medications that could be used in the case of advanced HER 2 positive cancer.  The actual drugs would depend upon the specific drugs she has had and what drugs are available where she lives (if not in the US).  This is mostly up to the oncologist who has access to all of the information and can make the best assessment.  In the US, some of the drug manufacturers have programs to provide some medications at discounts for people with proven financial need.  A social worker may be able to help direct her to these.  Stage 4 cancer is considered incurable.  In other words, it is unlikely that the disease will go completely away.  However, it can be treated and life prolonged, depending on the response to treatment.  As responses to treatment are quite individual, it is impossible to speculate on how long a person will live.  Sometimes, one’s oncologist can make an educated guess based on the information available and responses to treatment, but this is just that – a best guess.  

[Nick250]

Thanks a lot for your time. She is from India and finding social workers in US who can help seems to be difficult. I read on internet that Her2 can be completely cured with "Herceptin" dosages buy it is quite costly medicine. Anyway, I will check up with my Oncologist. Kind regards, Nick

[Nick250]

Are there any alternative medicines (Homeopathic or Ayurvedic) which works? Which food helps in healing?