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My mom has battled breast cancer 4 times. The last time it metasized to her brain. They were able to remove it and she had whole brain radiation. Her memory is horrible from the radiation and she has lost all mobility in her lower extremities. She seems a bit more confused and weaker lately. It's so hard to know if it's still the effects of the radiation developing or if the cancer has come back. She doesn't want to have an MRI. It has been 17 months since her brain surgery and they say radiation effects can show up over a 3 year period. But they also said most people with metastases to the brain only live 11 months or so on average. Anyone have experience with WBR or this type of cancer? I worry it's the cancer but she has already stated she is done with surgeries. That if it comes back that's it. She is 73. I don't blame her in that her quality of life has been destroyed from the radiation, but hard to know what's radiation caused and what could be cancer symptoms.

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Radiation is the gift that keeps on giving. It continues to aggravate and annoy long after treatments. My daughter had brain surgery followed by radiation and two years of Temodar treatments. It was Hell, but it beat back the cancer for six years. Then another brain surgery and treatments with Avastin bought another four years. Keep the faith.
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It's so hard to differentiate what may have been caused by the surgery or its residual effects, the radiation and its residual effects and the underlying cancer that may have spread to many other places. Once CA goes metastatic, it can show up just about anywhere at almost any time. I'm not sure determining the cause of her confusion or weakness makes much difference, since your mom has already decided she does not want to undergo further invasive treatments. But you should check to make sure she doesn't have a UTI or other infection, which can sometimes present the symptoms you are describing.
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Honor your mom's wished. If she's done, BE done. Be there for her. Hold her hand on her journey. Be accepting and loving. You will never be sorry.
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Sorry that my answer was not helpful to you. I hope you get the help you are seeking. Keep writing. Thanks for your feedback, Kannie.
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I went back and could not see where you said you had put Mom on your deed. Did I miss something? Hospice requires a primary caregiver but not one who has to be home all the time. Metastases from breast cancer usually show up in bone before brain but if they say she is cancer free run with that. she is 79 years old and has been ill with a debilitating disease for a good many years which has probably taken it's i can sympathize with her not wanting to be in a house with young children but the time will come one way or another where she does need full time care. you can not and should not do it so her choices are going to be very limited unless she has sufficient funds to hire full time caregivers.. Now would be a good time to have hospice come in and evaluate her. Neither side commits to anything at this point but you will better understand the options and if Mom feels it is right for her and hospice agrees she can have their help. Not to be a downer but once you have had cancer of the brain it does increase the likelyhood of seizures. can't really make any good guesses without being involved in Mom's care but many Drs do seem to be over optomistic. You are doing an excellent job balancing Mom's needs and those of your own family which must always come first.
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Oh, and she isn't on the deed now. Not that that helps us for 5 years. Long story short by dad died in 1991. Mom sold the house and moved into an apartment of some friends. 6 years later my husband and I bought land and we and my mom built houses. Her house is "connected" to ours through the well and septic. The county considers it a granny house and we only had the one mortgage. My mom wanted her name on the deed and at the time we understood her desire. Later she realized it may not be a good idea upon her death. Ironically we were in the process of removing her name when she was diagnosed with the brain tumor. Her name is off but there is the five year look back. It's only been off two years. She can't fund at home caregivers nor can we. We can rent her house and help cover the cost of a nursing home but I pray it doesn't come to that. She would rather die in her own home. I just hope hospice is approved when she gets worse and she will be taken care of at home with us right there as well.
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I just saw a reference to a program that may be of help, the Ohio Nursing Home Diversion Medicaid Waiver https://www.aging.ohio.gov/news/pressreleases/2011/20110815.htm Only has a one year look back in NY - might be an avenue for you to pursue full time in home health care.
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Thank you Veronica. That is very helpful to hear. I feel guilty a lot of the time trying to split myself between mom and my family. Surprisingly her bones are clear. Her brain tumor will be two years ago this September. Seems like forever. She has a brain MRI every 6 months so her next will be August. The dr actually had said to expect a return or death in 11-17 months and we are going on two years. I will contact hospice in the fall. She is in rehab right now. Due home July 12th. She had to have her shoulder replaced due to radiation therapy killing the bone.
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Kannie, I'm caring for my Mom in a similar situation. Mom was diagnosed with lung cancer last summer and as of May this year, it's metastasized to her bones/spine and her brain. She underwent 3 weeks of WBR and it kicked her butt, big time. She was alway sharp and a savvy businesswoman. Now her memory is crap and she has a lot of trouble simply writing and typing too. She has decided no more treatments - which I totally get and accept. her WBR was from 6/1 thru 6/15/15. Now it's hard to know if it's still the WBR causing trouble or the cancer on the move. Since there are going to be no more scans, we just have to manage day by day... and we are. I know this doesn't answer your question, but maybe helps to know you're not the only one dealing with this right now. We are just going on faith at this point.

Sending you lots of hugs and support.
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Thanks for responding handychik. I am sorry you are experiencing what I am although it's nice to know someone understands. Moms wbr was 3 weeks too. That was two years ago. Her memory is terrible. Writing is bad but has improved somewhat. It's mostly thought processing and memory. She has zero movement in her legs and I don't know if that is from the tumor or WBR. Her oncologist said both could do it. My mom doesn't want any more treatment either and I agree with her. This is no life for her. No quality whatsoever. She is still cancer free. She gets a brain MRI every 6 months. So all her effects I have decided are from te WBR so I have quit running her in for every change that occurs. It's amazing that 2 years have past and WBR symptoms are still appearing.
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