I haven't written for a long time but still read every day.
I'd love to "talk" with you more - my mom was 75
when diagnosed in 2003 (she has since passed away, but not
before giving it a good fight and for much longer than the
doctors thoughy), and had a HOST of other problems
(Parkinsons being the big one) and she still lived much,
much longer than the doctors predicted. I helped her a lot,
like you have, even though I was two hours ago (an
understanding boss does help!)
Anyway, I just wanted to wish you all the best and tell you
that the doctors' predictions are not always (and often not)
correct as far as time. If she is otherwise in good shape
and goes through the standand treatments, she may have years
left. Not to get your hopes up, but just providing another
side of the story.
I can really sympathize with you. Good luck and love.
>From: April Hageman <spring_9 hotmail.com>
>Date: 2006/10/30 Mon PM 10:07:44 CST
>To: ibcibcsupport.org
>Subject: [ibc] My mom has IBC-new member
>This is my first post. I have been "lurking"
since my mom was diagnosed in May and now am finally ready
to tell her/my story. My mom, age 73, was diagnosed after
having a swollen arm and inverted nipple, and a discharge
from the breast. The funny thing was she felt great up
unitl about a week before her diagnosis. She was diagnosed
with Stage 4, IBC in both breasts and lymhatic system
involvement, but no mets to liver or lungs. She was given
2 months to live without treatment, and up to a year with
chemo. So far she has responded to the chemo, 4 rounds of
A/C and 4 of Taxotere (Which she had terrible side effects
from) and will have scans next week. I am terrified of what
the scans will show, so far I feel as if we are on borrowed
time. She has a good attitude, and other than IBC was
perfectly healthy- none of the troubles that people in their
70's sometimes have. I should add that prior to this
diagnosis she was VERY active. In reading most of the
posts, it seems so many of the women are much younger than
my mom. Now a little about me, I am 33 years old, single
girl, but engaged to a great guy. I live with my mom to
help her out since the cancer reared its ugly head she
cannot drive due to lymphedema and neropathy (I think this
is the term- hands don't want to work like they should and
are numb and tingly). I am a teacher and so far have
managed juggle work and appointments. I am lucky to have a
good principal at school! But, sometimes the stress of
caregiving is difficult for me. So much has changed in the
past 6 months. Sometiems I wish I could just stay with my
mom all the time, but realistically I have to work. Mom's
mobility is limited now, she uses a walker and wheelchair on
weak chemo days. So far she has done well- the dr. says
very well considering how much disease she had. We will see
what happens with the scans. Like I said I am scared. My
mom is a great mom and I just can't bear the thought of
loosing her. I figure though she has done better than was
expected so I am hopeful.....If the scans do not show and
mets they will do a biopsy to see if they can get clear
margins and do a mastectomy. If not, they will do hormone
therarpy such as tamoxifen, I belive. Sorry such a long
post, just finally felt the need to talk to people who
understand. I don't know how my mom (or all of you who are
battling IBC) do it with all the treatments, etc. I am
having a rough time of it and i am not the patient!! And
to think a year ago I hadn't even heard of IBC. Thanks for
listening. 
> Try the new Live Search today!
>
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Sue & John Haine
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