metastases

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2004.  At that time we were told it was IBC.  Well, 18 months later she is still here.  I kept questioning the diagnosis of IBC because she did not have the 'typical' symptoms.  Recently the oncologist said it is not IBC.  How can such an error be made? IBC is so definite in its symptoms.  She has had an MRI and CT scans about four months ago and show no signs of the cancer spreading.  She has lately been declining including signs of dementia, weakness, not speaking, etc.  The hospice doctor was out yesterday and said he believes the cancer has spread to the brain and is causing these symptoms.  I disagree.  Sounds silly that I disagree with the doctor.  My question is this:  Can the cancer spread to the brain and produce these symptoms in less than four months or are these symptoms just the body preparing for death.  The only treatment my mother has had for the cancer is Femara.  She did not want other treatment.  She has accepted this and is willing to take what God gives her.  She is 81 years old.  She also has never admitted pain. Does this seem unusual?
Thanks for your reply.
meggismom

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear meggismom,  Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a serious type of breast cancer however it is rare and accounts for only 1 to 4 percent of all breast cancers.  It is called inflammatory because the first symptoms are usually a redness and warmth in the skin of the breast, often without a distinct lump.   Further characteristics of IBC are infiltration of cancer cells into the skin (which accounts for the redness and warmth on exam).  This information would be found in the pathology report from the biopsy.  
Her symptoms can be related to many things including cancer spread to the brain.  However without evaluation of the symptoms, knowing the full situation it is impossible to know how best to advise.  You would be best to discuss her situation with her doctor who may be able to better clarify things for you based on all of the information.

[meggismom]

can brain cancer develop and progress in four months to a point where it effects speech, motor skills, and memory?  Can breast cancer take its toll on the body and do the same?
Thanks