URGENT!! My mom is diagnosed with stage 4 cancer
Hi, I'm Dr.Bharat Patodiya deeply sorry to hear about your mother's diagnosis. As a cancer specialist in Hyderabad, I understand how difficult and overwhelming this situation can feel. I’ll try to provide some clarity so you can make an informed and compassionate choice.
1. For HER2+ Stage 4 cancer, targeted therapy like Herceptin (trastuzumab) plus Perjeta (pertuzumab) has transformed outcomes for many patients. These drugs specifically target HER2 receptors, and combined with chemo, they’ve shown significant survival benefits even for metastatic cases. Phesgo is a more recent subcutaneous option, which can be more convenient. So yes, I believe this is worth considering, especially since it aligns with the latest, evidence-based protocols.
2. The concern about age and treatment tolerance is valid. A good oncology team will monitor her response carefully and adjust doses or supportive medications to manage side effects. At 61, age alone shouldn't disqualify her from advanced treatments.
3. Regarding the hospitals: Trust and communication with your care team are crucial. If you feel one hospital isn’t approachable, that might impact long-term care. While familiarity with a doctor (like at KIMS) is comforting, treatment for HER2+ without targeted therapy would be a compromise.
As the founder of Pi Cancer Care in Hyderabad, we emphasize patient-centered care where both medical and emotional needs are addressed. I’d be happy to guide you further or discuss in more detail if you think that could help. Stay strong—advocating for your mom is already giving her the best support.