Forum Discussion
Liver and Brain mets
In Sept 2018 I was diagonse with liver mets from breast cancer I had in Sep 2015. Six months of chemo saw good results until Wednesday when a routine CT scan revealed liver cancer returning and also mets in the brain. I was devastated as I had no other symptoms. I start full brain radiation Tuesday week, for 5 days and then 2 weeks later back on chemo. I could have handled the liver coming back but the brain mets is very frightening especially with the limited survival rate. I worry so much about my 2 girls (19 and 21 as well as my husband) There is so much out on the Net and not enough that is positive when you are just getting over the shock. Please help me feel better or suggest what to read or do much appreciated and feeling very frightened
Canisha
34 Replies
- You are a champion @canisha Mxx
- Hi all though I might let you know how things are. Had my 5 radiations and all went smoothly. Just got tired and hair now failing out but that's OK as not the first time. Tuesday had first chemo and that went well on the day. By then that night my legs started to swell, but had that before all the fluid. Now wearing compression bandages and keeping feet up. Finding myself very fatigue and uncomfortable with swollen liver but I know the chemo will help shrink the cancer and I can't wait that kicks in.If you are going through this stay positive and I know it is hard but try and walk outside even for 5 minutes it makes a huge difference. Thinking of you all and best wishesCanisha
- The Jane McGrath story is a good one to read. She inspired me to believe to keep on fighting whatever turns up. So too is Connie ..her story behibd Love Your Sister.
Whilst both ladies have passed they far exceeded what was expected and fought to the end. They also left an amazing legacy. We don't all need to do that...just raising resilient children is suffice enough for most. Our legacy will live on in them.
https://www.smh.com.au/national/finally-jane-loses-long-fight-for-life-20080622-2uzk.html
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connie_Johnson_(fundraiser) - Real planning for a possibly tough future is hard. My daughter has also picked out a close friend to take over day to day care of her kids if anything were to happen to both her and her partner (mid 30s, perfectly well, no special cancer-or-anything-else risk). And no, we are not on bad terms, far from it - just that two people in their 70s/80s may not be the best daily environment for two small children or early teens. If it's never, ever required, we are all very happy. But they want it discussed, not left to when some unforeseen horror leaves us all blindsided and not making the best judgements. And we will all be very happy @Canisha, if you give those survival rates a good working over! Very best wishes.
- thank you all for your kinds words and support it does mean a lot to me
- My mum died 10 years ago when I was 17 from lung cancer, about 11 months after diagnosis. I mirror what kmakm said, you’ve raised them well and whenever you do leave this earth, they will be okay. Yes it’s awful not having a mum particularly for my own cancer journey, plus the big things like my wedding day. But I’m sure you’ve taught them to be strong, lively women and trust me they will appreciate life in a new way.
Ive seen a few women on a FB BC group who are living well 4 years after initial stage 4 diagnosis including brain mets. As a nurse, I’ve seen a lot of patients survive past their expectancy.
Advice from both my personal experience losing my mum.. Just enjoy your time. Take holidays with the girls between treatment when you can. Tell them stories you never have. My biggest regret is not asking my mum more questions.
I hope the new regime goes well and doesn’t leave you feeling too shit. Xx - So very sorry @Canisha. It's utterly and totally shit. I lost my sister to this disease and I'm now raising her young kids. Try not to worry about your children. You've done your best to raise them well, and all that mothering that you put into them will always be with them. You will never be forgotten, thought of daily and spoken of always. When your girls have kids, how they raise them will be because of you.
If you're worried about how they'll get on without you, can you appoint a council of girfriends who can mentor and counsel them as needed? I'm not in your situation but I've mentally picked out a small handful of friends who could 'be there' for my children should I not be.
Do your best with each day you have. Make memories, and hug a lot. I'm so sorry. K xox - Thinking of you @Canisha , Zoffiel was true in what she said."We don't know what to say " but we are here for you anytime you need to vent, have a bit of a rant or just need a virtual hug. We all get cancer and sometimes it is hard to talk to friends and family about how you really feel sometimes but we get it. xo
- @Canisha , I am so sorry to read your post. I can't give you any advice . I was diagnosed February 2018 , finished active treatment and now on hormone therapy tablets.
Sending you love and hugs. If I have anything to say it would be keep writing on here. We are all here to listen, we understand and feel your fear. Best wishes. Xoxox - What can we say except that we're thinking of you.
