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Question
My aunt went to the hospital for a migraine. She was admitted and now is told that she has 2 weeks to live. Yes, she had breast cancer and I just read an article describing how brain cancer forms from other cancers in the body. She has the (pardon my spelling) cerebrolspinal fluid in her brain and they are doing a shunt tomorrow. In her xray there were multiple spots. She cannot have an mri because of the metal in her breast now. How do they decide how long? And should a second opinion be done? She is like 65-70 yrs old, is on many medications for depression, panic attacks and migraines. I am just wondering if we should waste time getting a second opinion if two weeks is really it, but she seems normal as of right now. Normal for her average health anyway. What difference is her age and health making in the decision of treatment when they say there is nothing they can do?
Well cancers that have spread to the brain do have a VERY bad prognosis! So based on experience she has very little time left but if it is just a few weeks or a few months I do not think anyone can tell with any certainty. So honestly I do not think a second opinion would be of much use but if you deem it as necessary to be sure of the situation it is probably best for you to have it. In this situation her age and other health problems are of little importance - if any at all. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!
You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 There is no restriction to the number of questions there.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thankyou very much! I figured that would be the response, I know regardless that its not good when it spreads to the brain but I feel much better knowing that its hard to tell how much time exactly. Having someone say 2 weeks is very hard to hear when she does not seem so bad. A few months is what we are hoping for. | ||
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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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