Sending good vibes to Todash and family! There's a large cancer presence in my family and understand the anguish. Having to get news like this at any time is bad enough but during the holidays just makes it worse. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Mom won't need to have chemo, provided the insurance will cover the expense. The drug they are recommending is brand new (ok'd in September), much much easier on the body than chemo, and very effective. It will be a long treatment plan, of probably 2 years. The only downside is that it is very, very expensive. Hopefully the insurance will cover it.
They did find a small cancer mass in a lung, but the medication should take care of it.
She walked 400 yards today with a cane, which is such an improvement over the last time I saw her. I'm really excited to see them over Christmas.
A quick clarification: it is chemo, but it is a different kind of chemo. It is supposed to have significantly less side effects than the typically chemotherapy.
At this time, they are not planning on taking the breast, and this medication should return the breast tissue to normal.
Really, this is the best possible cancer she could have had, given the length of time she had it before diagnosis. She is also in really good hands, with the medical team they have behind her.
Good positive news. Saying an extra prayer the insurance company will pick up costs and that the new med will do all it promises. Christmas miracles do happen!
I would like to take a moment to emphasize that so far, my SIL has been extremely fortunate, largely due to the (somewhat rare) type of cancer she has. Please don't let her good fortune lull any of you into complacency. If you find a growth in your breast tissue or notice any changes, it IS urgent. You MUST NOT put it off. Most Stage IV breast cancer patients are not this lucky. The earlier it's diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of long-term survival, or maybe even a cure.
Self-breast exams, monthly.
Mammograms starting at 40.
Exercise, 150 minutes a week.
A healthy, varied diet with plenty of fruits and veggies.
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Re: Ladies, please don't ignore this
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