Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 8/24/2007

Question
Hello -
I've been reading your posts and very impressed with your honesty.  I am hoping you can answer some questions for me.

My niece is 47. In January 2005, she had breast cancer and had the tumor and 6 (I think) lymph nodes removed.  She underwent chemo for approximately 6 months.

In January 2007 she was diagnosed with cancer in her lung cavity.  She underwent 8 months of chemo.  

In June 2007 she was diagnosed with brain cancer.  The largest tumor was 2.4 cm located in the middle of her left brain. We were told surgery for this tumor was not possible.  Only radiation.  She has multiple small to microscopic tumors throughout her brain. She had 16 full brain radiation treatments.  The doctor said the cancer is stage 4.  In the last month, she has become highly emotional and cries over everything.  Her emotions are not under her control.  The radiation doctor said she might have a lesion in the front lobe of her brain and has referred her to a Neuropsychologist which she will see next week.
Prior to cancer in 2005, she was strong, healthy and active.
My questions - I understand 'everyone is different' but what is a general prognois for a person with her type/location of cancer?  Does the fact that the cancer moved from her breast to lung within two years and then from her lung to brain in 6 months indicate anything about the cancer?

Answer
Ok, I will be very frank because I sense that you want to know the truth as I see it. In my opinion her case is hopeless. This will kill her. Her cancer is obviously very aggressive - as I'm sure based on your questions you have already understood - and  unfortunately I believe, since it has spread to her brain, that her survival time at best probably can be measured in months or perhaps even shorter. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!