[Lani]

breast cancer itself raises one's risk of blood clots

So does tamoxifen and AIs, although less so with AIs

Do you know if her stroke was a "wet" stroke due to bleeding or a "dry" stroke due to a clot--ask her doctors to answer that and/or give you a copy of her scan reports.

There are a myriad of causes of strokes and it is very hard detective work to figure out which of many predisposing factors is the real culprit. Look at Ariel Sharon of Israel--they thought the hole in his heart was the reason for his stroke and they got him ready for surgery for it and totally missed the real cause of his stroke --he developed uncontrolled bleeding. And I am certain they were not ignorant doctors or unmotivated.

Try to fixate on what you can do for your mom now to improve her situation and prevent another worse stroke. Be certain they are certain whether the stroke was wet or dry and ask them if they have a game plan to detect worsening and prevent or ameliorate it.

There are many stroke prevention centers at major university teaching hospitals--these people are usually practicing state of the art methods and
it is great to sign her on with them so they already know her if her if she experiences worsening in the future as well as seeking out the best rehab to be certain she has the best chance to recover from what has already occured. If you let us know where you are geographically, maybe some members of the board can make some recommendations.