Terese Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 I have been checking this forum since my mom's 2nd thoracentesis, which was 2 weeks ago. Before I continue - I want to let you all know you are in my thoughts and prayers. You are a terrific group of supportive people. My mom is 83. She had a radical masectomy in 1997. Other than breast cancer, she is a very healthy woman. (Picture "Sophia" from the "Golden Girls" - that is what my husband and children call her sometimes - she's a hoot). Within the last six months, two nodules on her lung and one on her spine have been discovered. The spine nodule was discovered when she was hospitalized with C-Diff (my mom is one of the C-diff cases where she did not acquire it through the use of antibiotics or hospitalization - she just "caught it"). She's also had fluid build up in the stomach and lungs. The first thoracentesis (about 1 liter of fluid was removed) did not reveal any abnormalities. The second, however(another liter of fluid), has resulted in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion. Her Pulmonary MD said this is the breast cancer metastasizing. He said she will most likely require chemo. She also needs a PET and a Brain CAT - to make sure the cancer has not invaded the bones/brain. We have an appointment with an oncologist next Friday. During the past year I have had a gut feeling that her cancer had returned. I am scared. I don't even know if I belong here. Does this diagnosis mean the cancer could be in her lung too? Did any one here have breast cancer as the primary site? Sorry this is so long - I tried to keep it short! Thank you, Terese Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 I would like to welcome you Terese whether you belong here or not. I think there are a number of women who post here who have also had breast cancer. I am pretty sure that their lung cancer was a primary. I bet they post soon and relate their experiences to you. I hope your mom's treatment whacks the cancer down. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dadstimeon Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Welcome Terese--Sorry to hear about your mom. Stay with us and keep us posted. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 I am sorry to hear about your mom. Cancer treatment can be hard on someone older, but there are many milder chemos that may be an option for her. Good luck and let us know how she does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michelepal Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Terese, Welcome! I will keep your Mom in my prayers.. Michele Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Welcome Terese, Yes very often breast cancer may go to the lungs as mets. Her age actually is not against her, she got bc at seventy-five and with age and less hormones the cancer is slow down somehow. Keep us posted on her chemo. Best of luck Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 I was one with primary breast and primary lung cancer. They did not know it was lung cancer until they removed the nodule. don't know if that was helpful, but hello gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terese Posted March 18, 2006 Author Share Posted March 18, 2006 Thanks to all for your kind words and quick response. I have been reading a lot about my mom's diagnosis - but I am just anxious and so is she. I know you have all experienced the waiting period, so you know what it is like. I will post an update after meeting with the oncologist. Thanks again, Terese Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieB Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 Teresa, I'm sorry for all the uncertainty. It can really be a scary time not knowing what may be or may not be around the corner. Just wanted to send you and your mom my support and prayers. Let us know how your meeting with the oncologist goes. Will be praying for encouraging news.! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 sorry you had to find us, but welcome. my mother never had breast cancer, though she did have a malignancy in her thyroid which is her first primary. her LC is primary, also, though. hang in there, and do keep us posted! xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terese Posted March 26, 2006 Author Share Posted March 26, 2006 Hello to all and thank you for your support. We met with the oncologist Friday. My mom's next appointment with her is scheduled in 2 weeks. Before the visit, she will be getting a PET scan, and MRI of the brain and spine. After this, she will have a lung biopsy. The results of all testing will determine the treatment. I did learn that the cancer cells in the pleura are ER Negative. The oncologist was a bit concerned about my mom's recent bout with C-Diff. She said that it would most likely return with chemo treatment. But this is something we will deal with when the time comes to make decisions. One day at a time. Thanks again for listening. I appreciate your input and support and will update soon. Terese Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Terese, With the ER negative cells in the pleura, it sounds like mets from bc. Very good treatments are now on hand to treat those mets. Hoping and wishing for the best. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Hi Terese, welcome. Sorry you and Mom have to go through the waiting and testing time. Will be hoping you will have some solid answers and a good plan of action soon. Best of luck to you both, whether it is lc or bc or both. Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 I am so sorry to hear about your mom, that cancer may have returned. I am very happy that you came to this site. Along with every one else I want to extend my welcome to you also. Prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bethluvswill13 Posted March 26, 2006 Share Posted March 26, 2006 Welcome-Teresa! I'll be praying for you and your mom. Im sorry to hear of her diagnosis, but she beat breast cancer in her seventies...looks like she's pretty tough. Hugs,Beth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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