Hello, thanks for being here. Is “incurable” the same as “terminal” ? A family member has been diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer that has spread to her liver and bones. I don’t know what to expect, how long I will have her in my life .. ?
Hi Sisternicola,
Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Sharon and I am one of the cancer information specialist nurses.
I am sorry to hear that someone in your family has been diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer. It can be overwhelming hearing news like this when you are not sure what it means. Different people might use different language so it is a good idea to try and speak to the team looking after your family member to try and understand what they mean.
Generally incurable means that because the cancer has spread it is not possible to cure it but treatment might still possible. Sometimes terminal is used later in someone’s illness when the cancer is becoming difficult to control, but it is also used when a cancer is incurable. There is more information about secondary breast cancer at breast cancer now , Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK which explains what it is and how it is treated.
It can be a very emotional time when someone close to you has cancer. It is important that you are also getting support.
We are here if you want to talk to us. We have a team of nurses on our support line too so please stay in touch if it helps to talk or if you have any further questions You can call in on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am – 8pm), web chat or email if you’d prefer.
Ref SC / SMc
