update on my mom - 1259498

clemclem44
Posts:36

I'm happy to report that not only did chemo go smoothly for my mom, her maintenance therapy has been a breeze too. Tumors haven't gotten smaller or larger. We'll take it! She's on a treatment break until December when her next PET scan is.

I discovered in July that I am BRCA 2 + which has been it's own little drama. Removed my ovaries and planning a double mastectomy. Because of my positive test my mom was tested and she is positive also. It's been interesting.

But all and all good news and information!

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Dr West
Posts: 4735

I'm glad for your mother's good outcomes and hope she continues to do well for a very, very long time.

Good luck in dealing with everything related to your BRCA2 mutation -- I'm sorry you've got that to manage, but better to know in advance.

-Dr. West

clemclem44
Posts: 36

I couldn't agree more Dr. West. Not like I haven't felt like a sitting duck for a long time. I feel really empowered to act.

Such a huge relief that mom is doing well considering. But then again I'm not surprised. She's pretty damn stubborn.

And it's odd but in prep for my own mastectomies and my recent foray into surgical menopause I am connecting so much with her. She has blazed these trails and can offer so much support. It's an odd silver lining.

However, back to business. Are we basically just waiting for a change in tumor behavior. I know it's used very cautiously but if this is basically remission is there any data to look at about how long it can last?

I'm both happy for the break but also terrified that she doesn't have an army of chemo/maintenance on board to keep everything in check. Hard to let go of that safety net even if it is a slight illusion.

Also if it progresses will they use a different cocktail? All of this chemo will be different if it makes her feel terrible.