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Hi Everyone: I don't know what to think. My Mom was diagnosed with mets to her lung this last July, 13 years after her original diagnosis of breast cancer. Her Onc. put her on FEMARA 3 months ago and we got the results of her tumor markers today and they have continued to rise (15 points in the last three months to 95). Her Onc. wants to continue her on the FEMARA for another 3 months to see if it will work given more time. She and I are getting the feeling that her Onc. is writing her off by not being aggressive in her treatment because of her age which is 78. When she questioned him about how much time he felt she had left so she could make some decisions he said that at her age she should already have that in place. Now I realize that everyone has to die sometime but the people in my family tend to be long-lived into their late 80's and early 90's. My Mom has always taken great care of herself nutritionally and with excersize. If you met her you would think she was 60. When I was going through chemo she not only took care of me but took care of my Daycare Children too so I wouldn't lose my business. Her Onc. says her cancer is all spread out in her lung so there is no one tumor they can perform surgery on. Can any of you suggest an alternative treatment rather than just the FEMARA? She is willing to go through regular chemo but I hate to have her do that if it won't prolong her life significantly. I have told her about the numerous success stories here at the HER2 site of people beating the odds and living much longer than anyone ever thought possible. Presently, she feels GREAT with only a little pain when she takes a deep breath. I don't know if we should just accept things and have a good quality of life for whatever time is left or if she should go through all of the pain and struggle in hopes of gaining a few more years.
Sorry this is so long but any input would be welcome. Thanks, Linda in Caif.
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