My sister, 53, (now deceased) was diagnosed with Stage IV Rectal Cancer March 15, 2007. She went through chemo, radiation, blood transfusions...you name it. She passed away May 13, 2009 at 53. I am so sorry for you and your Mom. Chemo prolonged her life but there is no cure for Stage IV. The survival rate for her cancer was 3 to 5 years with treatment and she died after 2 1/2 years. My heart goes out to you. It is a tough place to be. Good Luck and God Bless you. Just spend as much time with her as you can.
I'm So Sorry for you... Cancer is rated in stages 1-4, Stage 1 is the first Stage 2 is the second., with Stage 4 being the final , by this time it as spread to other areas of the body and the patient is too weak to continue treatment. You and Your mother need to talk about options, 2nd opinion from another doctor, quality vs quantity of life, your moms wishes. I know not everyone likes the Hospice word, but they do wonderful work with the whole family., I have seen patients live longer and have a better quality of life while on Hospice. If a remission occurs hospice can always be stopped.