Just over a year ago my sister was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. Although a very rare form of breast cancer, it is extremely aggressive and had spread quite extensively when we first found out. She was treated with Chemo, had a double mastectomy and had her first round of radiation treatments. Even though the second round of radiation had been put on hold because of some other infections, her doctor told her she was now in remission. At the end of Feburary, she ended up back in the hospital and was now told that the cancer had mutated and was now in both lungs, lymph nodes, liver and neck. Her condition is not good...she has only had 1 additional chemo treatment so far (the second continually is rescheduled) because her blood counts are so bad. She is receiving transfusions almost every 3-4 days; lungs being drained every 2 days; other symptoms that indicate to us that the liver and kidneys are possibly shutting down (our father died of cancer several years ago). We believe that my sister and brother-in-law are scared of what the true prognosis as they refuse the ask the doctor very direct and pertinent questions. Unfortunately, the oncologist has not been extremely 'truthful' when he tells her that she is doing great! We know that the doctor cannot give us any additional information without my sister's approval but we want to make sure we are as informed as possible. Are these symptoms consistent with lung cancer patients and is the prognosis as positive as what the doctor is relaying to my sister?

This is a very difficult reply to write. Unfortunately, the cancer you are describing is what we call metastatic, meaning it has traveled beyond the original site. You stated that the cancer has entered the lymph nodes. This means the mutated cells can travel to virtually any part of the body. As it has already invaded multiple tissues, the possibility of recovery is not good. It is at this point that you need to be having a serious discussion with your loved one about quality of life isssues, health care proxy, living will, and other legal arrangements. Ask for permission to get involved so that you can have an open discussion with the physician regarding a plan of action for treatment. It is essential you get the situation fully explained to you and understand all aspects. Good luck.

Thank you for your advice! Things have just become a lot more serious as my sister was admitted today to the hospital again with a high fever and very low hemglobin. I do believe that both my sister and brother-in-law are now starting to understand the signs and will hopefully become a bit more direct with the oncologist. Thank you again!