How do you actually die from breast cancer?
my mother has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and im worried. I know she can die but HOW does one actually die from it? what causes the death? im so confused.
Cancer - 13 Answers
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1 :
Usually the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, if its not caught in time (i.e that's why a mastectomy is a 'cure'). There's many different types of cancer, but what it basically is, is the body producing abnormal cells. These cells get in the way of the production of normal cells, so the body doesnt work as well. This eventually leads to the blood not being able to carry oxygen around the body, muscle degeneration and death of bodily organs. I hope this helps a bit - for more intense research try 'Wikidpedia.com'
2 :
The cancer metastasizes to other organs. There are so many good treatments for breast cancer now - fewer women are dying. Hopefully, you mother is under the care of a physician who aggressively treats her cancer. Good luck.
3 :
the cancer quickly metastasizes and spreads to other organs and that causes death....it is curable if caught early before it spreads...
4 :
I'm really sorry to hear that, Unless it is advanced, I'd focus more on her making a recovery, but the reason it can be fatal, is that it spreads to other organs. But like I said, she has a great chance, they have made incredible advances. Good luck.
5 :
Few people with breast cancer actually die now because medical procedures are so advanced. Years ago, breast cancer did mean death, but not anymore. Your mom has some tough days ahead and she will really need your support. Don't be scared and confused. Talk to your mother and ask those questions that are worrying you so much.
6 :
Have you seen anyone die? Actually it can be quite peaceful if properly medicated. When people die of breast cancer , how they die , depends on where the cancer spreads. If to lungs, they finally cannot breath and go unconscious.If they have metastases in the brain, they get -in the end- confused, lethargic, sleep more and more -and finally sleep away. They can, of course , have pains and failure of other organ systems.which will change the picture somewhat. The idea of death can be scary -but usually not because of the dying processitself but the idea of losing a loved one/seeing a loved one suffer! After you have given this gloomy line of thought one round , you can concentrate on helping your mother get a good treatment and LIVE everyday. Breast cancer is not at all a certain doom of death nowadays. The important question to be put to anyone or everyone is: do we/can we/ will we live until we die? asks mary a
7 :
I agree with prety much anyone, but it can get out of control and metastisize quickly, or can just spread to part of the body the affects the rest of you and move in that way.... unfortunately, mastectomy or lumpectomy are both ways of slowing or removing caner entirely! Death comes by it changing your cells so all of your cells start to act against each other either killing off too many cells or cant kill the bad cells fast enough.
8 :
ANY CANCER IS DANGEROUS. Breast cancer also can kill a patient if not treated properly in time. When primary breast cancer spreads, it may first go to the regional lymph nodes under the armpit, the axillary nodes. If this occurs, regional metastasis exists. If it proceeds elsewhere either by lymphatic or blood-borne spread, the patient develops systemic metastasis that may involve a number of other organs in the body. Common sites of systemic involvement for breast cancer are the lung, bones, liver, and the skin and soft tissue. As it turns out, the presence of, and the actual number of, regional lymph nodes containing cancer remains the single best indicator of whether or not the cancer has become widely metastatic. Because tests to discover metastasis in other organs may not be sensitive enough to reveal minute deposits, the evaluation of the axilla for regional metastasis becomes very important in making treatment decisions for this disease. If breast cancer spreads to other major organs of the body, its presence will compromise the function of those organs. Death can result from compromise of these vital organs' functions. You should not get confused and worry much if your mother has been diagnoised Breast Cancer. By proper treatment viz. Surgery (MASTECTOMY - Removal of the affected breast), Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, you can control and also get cured from the disease. Your oncologist will tell you in details and treat her. PLEASE DO NOT TALK ABOUT DEATH NOW ITSELF. IT IS NOT IN YOUR OR MY HANDS AND GOD WILL TAKE CARE. HAVE BELIEF IN HIM AND DO YOUR DUTY OF GIVING FULL TREATEMENT WITHOUT WORRYING UNNECSSARILY. You can also discuss with a PSYCO-ONCOLOGIST and he will give you encouragement-
9 :
Alicia, I am very sorry to hear about your mom. Breast cancer can spread from the breast via the lymph system and travel to the lungs, bones and brain. Once it hits these areas it grows and eats the surrounding tissue, eventually the invading organ is unable to function and stops working. Hopefully you mom's cancer has been caught early and she will live a long happy life driving you crazy.
10 :
My mother died because it spread to her lungs. She was able to live with it like that for 7 years, because the drugs she was taking got rid of the tumors, but it isn't a permanent cure and the tumors eventually come back and can't be controlled. Although if you can keep it in check long enough you can potentially die of old age first. My mother first got her breast cancer at 53 and lived to 73, although that isn't really "old age" by modern standards. Anyway, if it goes to the lungs it interferes with the breathing. I'm not certian about this, but I think it starts to be life threatening when it gets in the part that connects both lungs. My mother was on oxygen for about a month before she died, but at least she had very little pain. I'm not sure how it kills you if it goes to the brain or liver. I think it if it goes to the brain you will not be in your right mind at the end. The benefit of this is that you probably won't realize that you are about to die. I think it is the worst if it speads to your bones, at least as far as pain is concerned. A lot of people can be cured, so you shouldn't be in a big panic at this point if it was localized in the breast. There is a very good chance she can be cured, and even if she isn't cured, she may be able to live with it for a very long time. Also, they are always coming up with new and improved treatments. Good luck, and I hope she can be cured and all goes well.
11 :
Sorry to hear about your mum..but please, dont' think she will die. Unfort, some people do, and its so sad. I had some family members and good friends pass away from it. I am 34 and had bc in 02 and 03...so far, I am doing fine. She needs to find a good oncologist (if she is going that way)..and if she doesn't like what they say, then get a 2nd opinon. Always get a 2nd opinon if you do not like what is being said. I had chemo and rads both times, plus a lumpectomy the first time and a bi-lateral mastectomy the 2nd time. I thank God for every day that I am alive. Please be positive for your mum. She will have her down days, but let her knwo that is okya, but not to let those thoughts over take her. Sometimes cancer with matastize to other parts of the body, and take over. I'll keep your mum in my prayers.. GB
12 :
cancers are staged I, II, III and IV, the latter being the most advanced. When bad cells enter stage III or IV this means the bad cells have spread to other organs --this is called metastasis. People die as these newly affected organs start failing. ultimately they dont work anymore. all cancers do not spread to the same organs. although ur right, there are risks, breast cancer is one of the most curable cancers girl! my neighbor just went through some crappy months but shes cured now! i hope ur mum will be alright!!!!!
13 :
Dear, death is not something you have to be scarred off because everyone in this earth will die. With the breast cancer thing, I have known several women with breast cancer and with the advancement of technology not everyone dies and those who dies are the ones which the abnormal cells have spreaded in most parts of the body. Don't be scared, pray, cheer you mom up and be nice to her always!
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