My daughter in law aged 40 with three young children has been battling secondary breast cancer for four years. The primary and secondary’s in her liver and bones are under control but the secondaries in her brain are growing. We have just been told by her oncologist that they recommend stopping treatment. Apparently the secondaries in her brain can no longer be treated and so there’s no point in treating the other secondaries. They have said she can continue treatment if she wishes. I’m really not clear about this. If treatment for the bone cancer stops does that mean it will resurface (it’s this that caused her the most pain. I’ve never witnessed such agony) obviously we all have a sinking feeling that they are saying that she may die from the secondaries in her brain before that happens. She has started to have what I think are petite mals she doesn’t know who we are or where she is. She forgets what’s being said.. she is pumped full of steroids to stop the pressure buildup in her head, she needs a wheel chair too get about outside the house, worse still she gone completely blind. As well as dealing with the emotional distress I’m don't know what to advise when she is asking if she should continue treatment. I tell her it’s her decision but I’m worried she will run out of time to make the decision. How awful is this.
Hi
I can completely understand what an incredibly tough time this must be for the whole family.
I don't have any experience to share with you but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. It may be an idea to join and post this in the secondary breast cancer group where you'll benefit from the experiences of others who have this cancer.
To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'join this group' on the page that opens. You can then copy and paste your post from here into a new discussion there after clicking on 'start a discussion'.
When you feel up to it, it would be useful if could pop something about your daughter-in-law's journey so far into your profile as it really helps others when answering or looking for someone with a similar diagnosis. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Edit Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
Sending a supportive (((hug)))
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
