Clarity, please?

[Totainsgrl]

Is it true that once a breast cancer is classified upon first finding, that is the stage it is forever? ie, does staging change?

The reason I ask is because my mom had a 3.5cm tumor in the left breast, with armpit nodes (4) affected, full mastectomy and those nodes removed with no evidence of metastasis in may 2003.

Now that she has metastatic breast cancer in the brain, she had a resection of most and will now have radiation and chemo when she can get strong enough. That doesn't put her from a Stage III to IV right?

Her2neu pos as well.

Thanks!
Lindsey

[Guest-Lolly_*]

Hi Lindsey,
Staging does change when a recurrence happens, and since your mom's recurrence is classified as metastatic breast cancer to the brain, she would now be considered Stage IV. Although this may be hard to hear, please keep in mind that most oncologists feel there are different "levels" of Stage IV. Many of us here are Stage IV, more than a few are survivors of brain metastasis, and many of us live full, active lives. That she is Her2+ is important, because she should be able to receive Herceptin along with any other therapies proposed to treat the brain mets and any residual systemic disease...If you want more detailed advice, feel free to post more specific information about the pathology of her diagnosis, as others who have a similar profile will then be able to compare notes and offer advice about their treatments in relation to what is being offered to your mom.
Take care and let us know how your mom does with her treatment.

Love, Lolly

[Totainsgrl]

Lolly,
Thank you so much! I will let you know as we meet with the Radiation doctor tomorrow. Your support means so much to me and my family (I've told them all about you and the other survivors here). You are true heroes to us. "Warriors for the Cause".

Love,
Lindsey

[Sheila]

It is my understanding that once you have a recurrence that metastasises to another area of the body you are considered stage IV. I went from stage 1 to stage IV when I had mets to the neck nodes.. Hope this helps.
Hugs
Sheila