Breast Cancer And Chemotherapy Pls Help?
The patient has been undergoing her 3rd chemotherapy and had undergone radiation for 30 days. However, she is losing her appetite and had undergone 2 surgeries to remove water inside her liver. She would not eat.
Today, they hospitalized her. The doctors told us that her condition is terminal and she is dying.
Would we ask for 2nd opinion and is there any medication out there?
We live in the Philippines.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Hello,
I am really sorry but I think the position is exactly as the doctors have said. I do not think a cure is now going to be possible, and that even slowing the disease down has passed beyond modern medicine.
The removal of water was, I would guess, to make her feel more comfortable, rather than to treat the liver condition, – - which is almost certainly secondary cancer deposits inside her liver.
I would encourage you to do all you can to help her feel comfortable and at peace, what we would call ‘palliative care’ in the UK. In my opinion she should have whatever strong drugs she needs to keep her comfortable and pain-free, even if these hasten her death. Struggling too much to keep her alive, may be unkind now.
Again, I am so sorry.
I hope this is of some help.
Best wishes, Belliger (retired uk gp)
February 18th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Always get a second opinion. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. Especially when the first opinion is “condition is terminal.”
February 18th, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Not sure if this will help, but I have heard interesting things about it. Check it out.http://www.cancerfightingstrategies.com/…
If you need more sites, contact me and I can send some to you.