How to manage my mother's metastatic breast cancer symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 51-year-old mother was recently told her breast cancer has metastasized to her liver.

She feels very nauseous all the time. Is that because of the cancer or the treatment?
The doctor said they are trying to control the cancer, but is there any way to cure it completely?
We have been reading about clinical trials. Should we consider them?
Her skin is also turning yellow. Does that mean her liver is failing?
She gets very emotional sometimes and feels like giving up. How can we keep her motivated?
What kind of foods are best for someone with metastatic cancer?
She is worried about how long she has left. Should we ask the doctor directly?
Is this type of cancer more common in older women?

Kindly provide your guidance.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

At this point, there is only symptomatic treatment available, but the quality of life can be improved and life can be extended. The nausea is possibly due to the anticancer treatment, but it can also be due to metastatic and progressive disease.

The yellow color of the skin is usually jaundice, which is caused by tumor metastasis. She needs psychological and family support, along with symptom management. She should have semi-solid, bland food in small and frequent meals.

The prognosis depends on the latest positron emission tomography (PET) scan report and the molecular profile of the tumor, including hormonal receptor status and HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) status. I wish her a long and pain-free life.

I hope this has helped you.

Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.