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Secondary breast cancer

Cazy63
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Hi

I had stage 3 breast cancer in 2015 July this year I had a hysterectomy and both my ovaries had tumors and a mass in my uterus. I'm on chemotherapy. 

The tumors were Krukenberg tumors looking into this the outcome is not good I really want to know how long I have the not knowing I'm finding really hard if I knew it was 2 years there's so much I want to do while I feel ok . I have asked when I have oncology appointments but no one will tell me they just say we are not going to give up . Please could you tell me if these type of tumors have a limited life expectancy. 

Regards 

  • Dear Cazy63,

    Thank you for getting in touch with us, and welcome to our online community. My name is Annerose I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses here at the Macmillan Cancer Support line.

    I am sorry to hear that you have had a further diagnosis of Krukenberg tumours in your uterus and ovaries.

    Krukenberg tumours are a rare form of secondary cancer of different origin, and it is difficult to predict how well a person will respond to treatment, and what a potential prognosis will be.

    Each person is affected differently by their condition, this can also depend on their age, general health, and treatment. Two people, with the same type and stage of cancer can have a different prognosis. That’s why it is difficult for specialists to say how long a person is likely to live for.

    I am sorry that we can not give a more detailed answer to your question, but it is difficult to predict even with all the information that is available to your team, and as we are not part of the NHS, we do not have access to medical records and are not able to answer direct questions about individual treatment or outcomes.

    It might be a good idea to try and speak to your consultant about this again, I know you have already tried to get answers. However, sometimes asking doctors about possible life expectancy in terms of months or years may help them guide you. They may be able to offer average figures on how long people in a similar situation usually live.

    A prognosis gives an idea about whether the cancer can be cured and what may happen in the future. Uncertainty about what the future may hold can be very difficult to cope with.

    Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if you have further questions or would like some support. You may also find it helpful to call us and talk things through.  Our numbers 0808 808 0000 and the support lines are open from 8am - 8pm, seven days a week.

    I hope this has been helpful, Best wishes and take care, 

    Annerose (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist) 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/ AW/AM

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