Not going to give up.

[vinita507]

New to this community.

The son of a mother who has been detected with breast cancer. Trying to lean into this group for exchange of information, advice and give/receive support.

Cheers.

[Hidden]

vinita507,

You have come to the right place. The group here are full of so much knowledge, wisdom, and compassion - I think I speak for many when I say that going through this with the others here makes a tremendous difference.

I'm so glad you found this site. Please feel free to ask any questions or just let us know when you're struggling or have a reason to celebrate. We'll be here for you...

p.s. My gosh, what a wonderful son...Your Mom is very fortunate to have you!

Best,

Lynn

[vinita507 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lynn,

Thanks for your encouraging words. It was just mere confidence that I came across this website. We are more fortunate to have her actually!

[vinita507 in reply to Hidden]

HI Lynn,

How are you?

We just got results.

Stage 4. The cancer has spread to the liver, stomach and bone.

[Hidden in reply to vinita507]

Oh, dear, vinita507! I'm so sorry to hear this! My heart goes out to you both...

I do hope that you've had a chance to see some of the many great responses to treatment by people in this group...Plus the fact that there are so many treatments becoming available. I was diagnosed metastatic 5.5 years ago...One treatment that i've been on for 5 years (Ibrance, aka Palbociclib) was FDA approved a few months after my diagnosis and the next treatment I'll take (piqray) was approved about a year ago!

On a side note, it will be important for you to know if your Mom's cancer is ER/PR/HER positive or negative...this determines best treatments and you can focus on those here on the board. Also, if she could get genomic testing, that will provide additional info re: other appropriate treatments...

I'm wishing for the best for you both...

And I'm doing well, thank you...Status quo, at the moment, thank you so much for asking!

Sending love,

Lynn

[hdhonda]

Hi Vinita,

Welcome to the board. What stage is your Mom? You are very sweet to check into cancer boards. Best wishes! Blessings, Hannah

[vinita507 in reply to hdhonda]

Hi Hannah,

Thanks for your reply!

Doctors are performing the biopsy as we speak. So, we will find out in the next few days what stage is my mom.

Having said that, the doctor performed a blood test; which showed CEA, CA 15, CA15-3, CA-19-9 at very higher levels than the normal. So that has me a bit worried since the past few days.

Thanks!

[hdhonda in reply to vinita507]

It is normal for those tests to be high until a few months after treatment. Hope the biopsy gives the answers you want. Best wishes. Blessings Hannah

[vinita507 in reply to hdhonda]

Thanks Hannah. Yeah a few more days.

[vinita507 in reply to hdhonda]

Hi Hannah,

Stage 4. The cancer has spread to the liver, stomach and bone.

I am feeling helpless.

[hdhonda in reply to vinita507]

Hello Vinita,

They will find a treatment that works for your Mom. If you live near one of the big cancer hospitals it might be good to get a second opinion. My stage four breast cancer is in my lungs. I go to Moffitt Cancer Center twice a year.

How old are you and do you live in the same town as your Mom? Everyone on this board either has stage 4 breast cancer or is a family member of someone who does. I am pulling for you and your mom. Blessings, Hannah

[vinita507 in reply to hdhonda]

I live in Panama, Central America. There is a very limited scope of what's available. We are just checking our options at the moment.

[hdhonda in reply to vinita507]

You will find a lot of support here. We all have stage 4 breast cancer and are on various treatments. Best wishes to you and your family. Blessings, Hannah

[SusieIM]

Do not give up; turn to this group for questions, concerns, support. It's a good support group. Be encouraged to know that you will find support here. Take care, hang in there.

[vinita507]

Thanks! Will do

[Timtam56]

Welcome,.with open arms for soft virtual hugs.

[Aquadog]

Hi and welcome. Glad you found us - plenty of support and knowledge here and we're happy to help in any way we can. Be sure to check out the SHARE web site, too (sharebreastcancersupport.com) - lots of resources and information for all stages of breast cancer. Wishing your mom all the best in her treatment. She has a head start with a son like you on her side.

[vinita507 in reply to Aquadog]

We had a head start with a mom like her.

Will definitely check out Share.

[Hidden]

Like several others have said, the numbers will go up before they come down. My oncologist checked my CA 15-3 about 3 months after I started treatment so don't worry if they don't check it every month at first. The tests are just one thing they use so remember to look at the overall picture. Also, her numbers may start dropping but for whatever reason her doctor changes her treatment, that could also cause the numbers to jump back up. The test picks up live cancer and the cancer that is dying off. She's lucky to have a son like you. Hope she's feeling better soon

[vinita507]

Thanks for sharing; gives me some relief!

We shall pray for her rapid recovery.

[Hidden]

Hi Vinita,

I'm sure your mum's metastatic diagnosis has come as a real shock to you. But please do not despair. Your mum is going to be starting treatment before long, which will help her. Hopefully you will be able to offer your mum emotional and physical support by attending consultations with her oncologist and maybe even her treatments, CT scans and other procedures.

Cancer can be overwhelming for relatives, as they often feel helpless (I know because I was the daughter of a cancer patient before I became a cancer patient myself) so you also need to have a support network. Do you have close friends and family members who can support you too? Trying to carry it all on your own will not be easy. So if anyone offers help, even if it's driving your mum to the hospital or preparing a meal, I would accept it. Getting plenty of rest is important, as you will need to be well rested so you can help your mum.

Take care and please feel free to ask for support, or even just a listening ear on here or from those closest to you.

Sophie ❤

[vinita507 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the encouraging words and sharing your journey. Everyone is doing their fair share, I must say.

At present she is stage 4 and in a lot of pain which doesn't make it easier. But we are trying to be as supportive as possible

[Hidden in reply to vinita507]

Hi Vinita,

You're welcome. Just knowing you are there will mean a lot to your mum.

It is common to start out with pain at the time of diagnosis, but once your mum starts treatment it should start to improve. Hopefully her pain will soon be managed so that she can cope with what lies ahead.

Take care,

Sophie

[Tam-56]

You are a wonderful support for your mom. She is probably overwhelmed with it all. It took me a while to adjust and seek out all the information about my cancer and possible treatments.

The doctors will find the right treatment for your mom. I think that the waiting is the hardest part.

You have come to the right place for support and knowledge as we all have been newly diagnosed. Please keep us posted on how your mom is doing.