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Brain Tumors/How long does she have??????

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Expert: - 12/14/2009


Question
QUESTION: My Sister-in-Law had breast cancer and still has an inoperable tumour on her spine.  Sometime after Chemotherapy, and immediately after her mastectomy, a little skin and liver cancer was found and was again successfully treated with Chemotherapy.  Unfortunately, recently she lost the use of her right hand, and was taken into hospital for an MRI.  The result showed two spots on her brain for which she is about to receive intensive Radiotherapy.  I can't ask her outright, and I'm not sure she has been given any indication.  She was told the Radiotherapy would not eradicate the cancer in her brain, but would perhaps "contain" it.  Can you help me?  She has four children, and they may be coming to me?  I just need to put some plans into motion, prepare for their grief etc.

I hope to hear from you soon.



ANSWER: Unfortunately her remaining survival time can probably be measured in months at most.

I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!

I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Are your quite sure?  You see, my Sister-in-law shows no sign of illness at all.  Despite her mastectomy, two bouts of chemo and her hand not working now, together with very manageable pain in her neck arm and leg, she is quite happy.  She was at a party last night, she is Christmas shopping around the city centre as we speak - by herself.  I don't understand how she will deteriorate?  Will more parts of her just stop working?  Lungs, brain function?  How will she deteriorate, how will this brain cancer affect her?  I know you cannot give specifics, but I'm quite lost right now.

Thank you.

Answer
That is the usual normal survival time once a cancer has spread to the brain. But of course there are always rare exceptions, though the final outcome will even then remain the same.

I have some computer problems so unfortunately my reply is delayed.

You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128

Brain Tumors

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

Expertise

I`m a doctor of medicine and specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have a long time experience of these tumours.

Experience

I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, educated and trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps. You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 . I have no restrictions on the number of questions there. I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of medicine, specialist in medical oncology & radiation therapy.

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