Hi Bellows - Thanks for writing and seeking support for your sister. I'm sure this has to be a difficult time for your entire family and that you want the best for your sister. Unfortunately, as I'm sure you know, Stage IV is the most advanced stage of breast cancer because the cancer has spread to other parts of her body. The doctors must believe the next round of chemotherapy will help her, but you (or she) will need to ask them directly to tell you the best and worst outcomes they expect. Her oncologist will know this information but most wait until they are asked directly before providing it, especially in late stage cancer.
In terms of her treatment you may want to also ask if there are any clinical trials that might be beneficial. The reality of cancer treatment is that it can take 8 -10 years for new treatments to be approved by the FDA, and cancer treatments are approved at an accelerated pace so they go through the process faster than other drugs. For some types of cancer the best option will be the new treatments that are only available through a clinical trial. Since Yale is a teaching hospital the doctors there should be familiar with current clinical trials and be able to assist in evaluating whether they could be some options for your sister in taking that route. You can also find more information here: http://clinicaltrials.gov/
I hope this information helps you. I'm a breast cancer survivor and a leukemia patient in treatment and know the worry, fear and frustrations that come with a cancer diagnosis. Please take good care of yourself as you go through the process of helping your sister. Pat
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Hi Bellows - Thanks for writing and seeking support for your sister. I'm sure this has to be a difficult time for your entire family and that you want the best for your sister. Unfortunately, as I'm sure you know, Stage IV is the most advanced stage of breast cancer because the cancer has spread to other parts of her body. The doctors must believe the next round of chemotherapy will help her, but you (or she) will need to ask them directly to tell you the best and worst outcomes they expect. Her oncologist will know this information but most wait until they are asked directly before providing it, especially in late stage cancer.
In terms of her treatment you may want to also ask if there are any clinical trials that might be beneficial. The reality of cancer treatment is that it can take 8 -10 years for new treatments to be approved by the FDA, and cancer treatments are approved at an accelerated pace so they go through the process faster than other drugs. For some types of cancer the best option will be the new treatments that are only available through a clinical trial. Since Yale is a teaching hospital the doctors there should be familiar with current clinical trials and be able to assist in evaluating whether they could be some options for your sister in taking that route. You can also find more information here: http://clinicaltrials.gov/
I hope this information helps you. I'm a breast cancer survivor and a leukemia patient in treatment and know the worry, fear and frustrations that come with a cancer diagnosis. Please take good care of yourself as you go through the process of helping your sister. Pat
November 7, 2010 - 5:27pmThis Comment
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