How long can a person live with Stage 4 cancer, from breast cancer that metastasized to the bone?

My mom has a stage 4 cancer. She found out she has breast cancer stage 1, 8 years ago. Around year 2000. Then this year her breast cancer has metastasized to the bone on her chest. And is now stage 4. Does anyone now if my mom can still live a long life? I'm really saddened by this but i'm making the most of every day i spend with her.

She's 43 years old

Hi there,

I know exactly how you are feeling. My mother was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, that also spread to two different spots in her bones. She first went for radiation for her bones (5 treatments)...Once she completed that - she went for 6 chemo treatments. Her first treatment was the worst - but they adjusted her meds and each treatment after that was ok.
She also tested positive for the HER2 gene, so she goes for the Herceptin treatment every 3 weeks, as well she gets a bone strengthener the same day through IV.
I know that it sounds like a lot - but she was diagnosed in July of 2008, and we have just found out that she is CANCER FREE...
Miracles happen - Just be there to support your mom...
email me anytime you need to talk!! I'm here for you!

A patient who has been diagnosed for the stage IV breast cancer can have life in term of few years, but it depends more on the number of metastasis, the histology and grade, effect of previous therapies, hormonal receptor status, HER2 status and co-morbid conditions.
Therefore, assessing all these aspects can be best done by the treating oncologist and will be able to give you an appropriate answer.

It seems your mother had been diagnosed cancer at an early age of 35, therefore, it is imperative that you start yourself a regular check up by a doctor for breast cancer latest by age of 30.

Cannot help much but take care and all the best.

*hugs* I am not sure about how to answer this one but I just wanted to give you a hug I lost my mom 5 years ago to pancreatic cancer, its been difficult.. just cherish every single moment you have with your mother! No matter what happeneds those memories will last a life time and no one can take that from you! God Bless you, your family and your mother! Your in my thoughts!

There are no guarantees, but breast cancer that has metastasised to the bones can often be managed, sometimes for years.

I know someone for whom it has been eight years so far.

sweet Julia,
It really depends on how your mom's body responds to the treatment. Unfortunatley, there is no for sure answer. The hardest part is waiting. I know........

There is no good answer. Everyone is different.

Everyone is different. Love and enjoy each other for whatever time you share.

I'm sorry to hear that, I don't know the answer to your question but I hope for the best. God bless you both.

The breast cancer survival rate for Stage 4 breast cancer is much lower than for breast cancer detected at earlier stages.

Stage 4 breast cancer, or advanced breast cancer, has metastasized to other tissue including bone tissue, lung tissue, or the liver. When breast cancer has overwhelmed the body鈥檚 natural defenses and spread this far by the time the cancer is first diagnosed, the 5-year survival rate drops to 16%-20% in the United States (American Cancer Society).

Up to 5% of white women in the U.S., and up to 9% of black women have advanced breast cancer spread to distant tissue at the time of first diagnosis. This difference is usually attributed to poverty and lack of health insurance.

In general, women who have advanced breast cancer at the time of diagnosis live approximately 18 months after diagnosis (median survival rate). Those who are still alive five years after their diagnosis of advanced breast cancer can live an additional 3.5 years (median survival rate) according to the American Cancer Society.

Since this is the most deadly category of breast cancer, it is important to work closely with all the health care providers. New treatments are being developed all the time, and second, or even third opinions may give the patient more information about newly discovered successful solutions.

Early detection is clearly the most important factor in breast cancer survival rates. Breast cancer detected at Stage 1 while it is still localized to the breast has a survival rate of 98%-100%, while metastasized breast cancer first detected at Stage 4 drops down to 16%-20%.

Early detection procedures must include monthly self-examinations done at the same time each month. From age 20-40, healthy women should have clinical breast exams performed by their health care providers every three years. After age 40, the breast exams should be annually and should include a mammogram or similar procedure.

North American white women have the highest rates of breast cancer in the world, but the 5-year survival rate for all stages (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4) combined is 88% for the U.S. A recent study found European countries have lower 5-year breast cancer survival rates, with England at 77.8% and Ireland at 76.2% (Lancet Oncology).

The difference in these survival rates is usually attributed to life-saving early detection.