Metastasized breast cancer in pancreas

[SisterSuz]

My sister has been diagnosed with metastasized breast cancer. The new site is her pancreas. I am looking for further information on the disease but am currently confused if I should be looking under breast cancer or pancreatic cancer. The hospital advises she has 6-8 months tops. I am looking for information on whether there are any survivors of this and if not, what is the best way to ensure her quality of life for the remaining time she has left. Any help at all will be appreciated.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear SisterSuz, Metastatic breast cancer that has spread to the pancreas would be treated as breast cancer. The goals of treatment for breast cancer that has metastasized are focused toward controlling the disease and preventing or treating symptoms of the disease rather than cure of the disease.   Keeping these goals in mind treatment recommendations are based on such things as the estrogen receptor status of the tumor, your sister’s general health, and symptoms that she might be having.   No one knows for sure how long a person will live, there are many individual exceptions.   In terms of ensuring quality of life, good communication between your sister, her oncologist and caregivers is critical.   What I mean by this is that all are on the same page in terms of goals of treatment – whether that is symptom management, or treatment of the disease.   Continued monitoring and evaluation of treatments for effectiveness is also important.