What can we expect?

My sister in law has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and it has spread to the bone of her spine.  She had no warning at all other than what she thought was a pain in her hip from walking.  Now she starts radiation today and chemo starting as soon as radiation is over.  Doctors say it's aggressive and fast moving.  Looks from my reading that its likley to attack lungs or liver next if not arrested.  What's her prognosis - anyone going through something similar who wants to share?   How can we best help other than being there for her any way we can?  Should my wife take extra precautions (is it hereditary)?  dumb questions I know, but this is so new - last week everyone was happy and healthy and now we just don't know...

It does run in families so your wife should get regular mammograms and perform regular self-exams in between her annual doctor's visits.

As far as what you can do for your sister-in-law, be there for her. Radiation isn't so bad but it is every day and after about 4 weeks will start to put a drain on her. Once she starts chemo, she will not feel well at all the day of her treatment so maybe you and your wife can provide a meal for anyone else in the household...she may or may not feel like eating. Don't feel bad if she is tired and can't visit....allow her to get plenty of rest.

Hard to say what the prognosis will be. It depends on the extent of the spread, her treatment plan, her general health and attitude. It is important to encourage a positive attitude along with just being there for her.

We are here for you and her.

Thank you.

I recently found a website that has many testimonials from forum members who overcame advanced cancers with a plan that has helped people with many health conditions. It has a strong track record of success.

It's a matter of eating the healthiest foods for the cells of our bodies and eliminating the unhealthy foods. Unfortunately, the typical American diet is full of unhealthy processed food products. This healing plan was created by a brilliant bio-chemist & health practitioner who worked with thousands of cancer patients over a 50 year period.

The site is at http://www.budwigvideos.com   Click on 'Testimonials' in the Menu. There are several messages from people who had agressive breast cancer with mets to the bones, etc.  They got well with this program.

 

 

On 6/22/2009 Philip1961 wrote:

My sister in law has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and it has spread to the bone of her spine.  She had no warning at all other than what she thought was a pain in her hip from walking.  Now she starts radiation today and chemo starting as soon as radiation is over.  Doctors say it's aggressive and fast moving.  Looks from my reading that its likley to attack lungs or liver next if not arrested.  What's her prognosis - anyone going through something similar who wants to share?   How can we best help other than being there for her any way we can?  Should my wife take extra precautions (is it hereditary)?  dumb questions I know, but this is so new - last week everyone was happy and healthy and now we just don't know...

Hi Philip1961,

I'm a survivor and my father went through cancer as well. Although your sister-in-law just started radiation and chemo there may be different side effects that may come up.

I started a blog (www.CincoVidas.com) because I found very little information about radiation and chemo side effects. I did a post on what you can expect from radiation treatments http://blog.cincovidas.com/what-you-can-expect-from-radiatio I also have a list of all the side effects and the drugs that cause them that may be of help to you http://blog.cincovidas.com/side-effects.

As for your wife getting tested it does run in families and I would take extra precautions. I would continue to get mammograms and do self-breast exams.

I know it can be overwhelming, just remember to take it one day at a time.

Love, strength and survival

-Britta Aragon

Thanks for taking the time to reply Britta.  I will share this information with my sister in law when I see her next week.  I and I'm sure she, appreciate it and thanks.

Great. I wish you and your sister-in-law lots of strength and optimisim through her treatment. Let me know if there is anything else that I can write about that will help the process. Meanwhile I thought that you and your wife can benefit from reading this post about caregiving http://blog.cincovidas.com/caring-for-a-cancer-fighter-six-t

 It can be very difficult for the people caring for the cancer fighter. Take care,

 

Britta