Hello Ladies,
I am writing on behalf of my father, who would never do this by the way.:) He has Stage 4 breast cancer with bone and now lung mets.
After 8 months of Tomoxefin (sp?) his medical oncologist is now saying it is not working because lung mets have grown from what was not even a spot that looked like cancer, to 1 centimeter growth plus more smaller spots. Last month he went off Tomoxefin for 4 weeks (I think he was being stubborn and wanted to forget about his cancer). Do you think that the cancer could have grown that much in 4 weeks?
His doctor says no, he is sure Tomoxefin is not working and would like to not use anything and see if there is any improvement. This really concerns me, why would we not try something?
I have no faith in this DR. he forgot that there was an area on the lungs we were worried about. My father had no scans for 8 months, his lungs were not even addressed until my sister and I reminded him.
So, ladies I guess my question is... what did your Dr's do next when Tomoxefin stopped working. And Lung mets now, how long can he go? I am so terrified for him.
Sara
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- By Saraegoetz
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 10:37 am · 7 replies
- In Treatment options
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- By chainsawz
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 1:42 pm
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I'm sorry to hear the taxmoxifen is not working for your father. I am not er or pr positive (hormone) so I don't have first hand knowledge, but I have read posts by others who are and they use another hormone drug when that one fails. I'm sure one of them will come along and provide the name and more info :>
Do you know the pathology of your father's cancer? Is he her2 positive? If so, then he can get herceptin and tykerb which are great.
I have lung mets and there are many others with the same who have had great luck with the chemos available out there now. There are still lots of weapons in your arsenal.
If you are not happy with your doctor - do what we do....find a better oncologist who cares about saving your dad's life and FIRE the other one! This is his life and your doctor should be working hard for your family. Best of luck to you!! lisa
- By hillbillygirl
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 2:20 pm
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can not add to much more than Chainsawz said but that in all that have read are heard i have never seen a onc. not put the person on something. Is your Dad talking to him about this issue and maybe does not want to take anything for his cancer? He may have given up and just wants to live out his time. If you think this is the case you may need a family meeting and let him know how much you and others want him around as long as poossible. may also need a antidepressant medication. Hope i helped some.
- By maxnan
- Posted October 25, 2009 at 3:54 pm
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There are other hormonal therapies (Femara, Faslodex, etc.). For some of us (me included) my cancer became smarter and I no longer respond to hormonal treatments -- so at that point I started Navelbine and a now on Xeloda.
It sure doesn't sound right that the Onc doesn't want to do anything, especially with lung mets. I would verify this with the doctor and if so, I would immediately get a different Onc!!!
- By PinkMelba
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 12:42 am
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Tamoxafin is ok for bone mets but when the cancer move into a vital organ like the lungs then the treatment should get more aggressive. If you and your father do not like the onc. then fire him or her and find one that will treat your father and also encourage your father to seek treatment.
Melba
- By ious1Tjed6247
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 12:45 am
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Your gut is telling you something is not right. You need to advocate for your dad whom I know you dearly love. Being his advocate - - I would not waste time and would get another opinion.
He definately would/should be given something (unless he's told the doctor something....you are not aware of).
Your mind will be at ease, should you get another opinion, and you will know in your heart that you went the extra mile for him. Hindsight is 20-20.
Good luck and keep us posted of your dads progress.
Tara
- By kleighk
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 11:07 am
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Good luck to you and your family. I know how hard it is to talk a parent into something that they feel is not necessary. They come from a generation where Cancer was an automatic death sentence and convincing them otherwise is hard. Get as much info as you can to show your dad that this is not the end, and I would definitely get a second opinion--probably from a major cancer or hospital if that's possible.
I'm glad to hear you are so involved in your father's life that you are able to talk to him about this. So many families are not that connected.
You're in my prayers, Karyn
- By LaGata
- Posted October 26, 2009 at 1:34 pm
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Get a second opinion! I think your gut instinct is correct as not doing anything, with the way the cancer is moving, is a warning sign to me that more agressive teatment is needed.
Don't worry about pissing of the doctor, he's not doing his job, it sounds to me. Your father needs a second opinion with an oncologist that will take the time to explain everything and the rational behind whatever he says.
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