Understanding the Prognosis of Breast Cancer
Greetings, I'm a 29-year-old daughter, and my mother, who is 60, was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma in January this year. She has been undergoing chemotherapy since then. Although I live in another state, I was able to visit her this past weekend as she was completing her last session of this initial chemotherapy regimen. During our discussion with her doctor, I was seeking some understanding of how significant lifestyle adjustments I might need to consider in order to support her—while trying to avoid any overly grim assessments in her presence since she has been so strong-minded about staying positive. From what I gather, her cancer is hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative, identified in two diminutive lumps in her right breast (classified as Nottingham stage 2). The cancer also involved approximately 15 lymph nodes in her right armpit as well as two in the supraclavicular area on the right side. Fortunately, the PET scan did not reveal any additional metastases. The oncologist conducted a palpation examination and noted he could no longer feel the swollen lymph nodes, which he indicated had previously been quite enlarged. Up to now, she has completed four chemotherapy cycles, administered bi-weekly. Following this, she'll have a 2.5-week break before transitioning to a different chemotherapy regimen, receiving treatment weekly for a duration of 12 weeks. After this course, another PET scan will be performed to assess the effectiveness of the treatment before she undergoes a full right mastectomy. The oncologist also mentioned plans for radiation targeting the entire upper quarter of her right side post-surgery, due to the impossibility of surgically addressing the supraclavicular lymph nodes. While the doctor expressed satisfaction with her treatment response thus far, he did highlight the advanced nature of her case because of the number of lymph nodes affected, estimating that the likelihood of recurrence could exceed 50% within the next decade. My mother remains moderately active; she previously maintained a rigorous workout routine but has faced some limitations due to fatigue. In general, she's in reasonable health despite having high blood pressure and a past history of alcohol use, as well as ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety. Residing out of state means I'm missing a significant portion of her treatment journey. Although she is surrounded by a strong support network and maintains a positive outlook, the prospect of a challenging prognosis urges me to contemplate changes in my own life to be closer to her during this ordeal. Her medical team tends to avoid giving specific prognoses; however, my research indicates that the five-year survival rates generally fall between 80 and 90%. I would greatly appreciate any insights regarding her prognosis or what the results of her treatment may suggest, as this would greatly assist me in making informed decisions about increasing my visits home or possibly relocating back to my home state. Additionally, please let me know if I’ve missed any important details that could influence her prognosis.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 10:01:18 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your mother's diagnosis and the challenges you both are facing. It's understandable to want to be close and supportive during this time. Here’s a summary of your situation and what you can consider:
Main Points:
- Your mother has stage 3 invasive lobular carcinoma, hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative.
- The initial chemotherapy has shown a positive response, with lymph nodes no longer being swollen.
- Despite good treatment responses, the prognosis remains serious, with over 50% recurrence risk estimated.
- You’re contemplating lifestyle changes to support her.
Explanation:
Breast cancer, especially in stage 3, presents complex challenges. The fact that your mother has shown a positive response to treatment is encouraging; however, the involvement of multiple lymph nodes does indicate a more advanced stage that could impact her long-term prognosis. The statistics you mentioned, indicating a 5-year survival rate of 80-90%, apply to many patients but can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, including the patient's age, overall health, response to treatment, and specific cancer characteristics.
In terms of lifestyle changes to support your mother during this process:
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Diet and Hydration: Encourage her to maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Proper hydration is also crucial, especially during chemotherapy.
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Physical Activity: While she may have reduced her activity due to fatigue, gentle exercise can help maintain her strength and mood. Consider discussing light, suitable exercise with her healthcare team.
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Mental Well-being: Given her history of depression and anxiety, promoting emotional support is vital. You can help by facilitating open discussions about her feelings, ensuring she feels supported and understood.
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Informed Discussions: Help her stay informed about her treatment plan and prognosis by engaging with her healthcare team together. Encourage her to ask questions and express her concerns.
Next Steps:
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Increased Support: If you feel it's beneficial, consider relocating or increasing visits during this period. Being present can provide not only emotional support for her but can also alleviate some of your concerns about her well-being.
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Stay Informed: Keep communication open with her doctors regarding treatment results and any concerns you or she might have. Understanding her treatment journey may help you both feel more empowered.
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Focus on Positivity: Encourage her positive outlook by participating in supportive activities together, like walks or cooking healthy meals, thus reinforcing a sense of normalcy in her routine.
It's clear you deeply care for your mother's health and happiness. If there's anything more specific you wish to know or discuss, feel free to reach out.
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