Breast Cancer Advice Center

If a metastatic breast cancer sufferer has severe ascites (5 ltrs every 14 days) how long can they live?

It is in the liver and elsehwere but is still termed breast cancer. Other than hormone tablets to help slow down the fluid build up and of course regular draining of fluid, no treatment is being offered.

Public Comments

1. Not much longer, sorry.
   
   
   night shift x-ray tech
2. Max a month...sorry.
3. Difficult question. As the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is grave enough, ascites compounds the problem. It is probably a case of symptom control now with fluid being ' tapped' from the abdomen. Speak with the dietician as salt restriction can maybe help.This is a most unfortunate condition and is usually a sign of the patient entering the terminal phase of life. As for time...well to be honest, probably not that long...maybe a few months....sorry to hear of your predicament.
4. It depends on other factors and whether they can get the ascites back under control or not.
   
   My son presented with malignant ascites with 40 pounds of fluid in abdomen, legs, and feet. He was treated successfully with lasix and also underwent a treatment called intra-peritoneal hyperthermic perfusion to control microscopic disease and treat abdominal ascites. That was two years ago. He no longer is bothered by ascites, he's asymptomatic, and currently living with an inoperable pelvic tumor.
5. Difficult to say. but I would be hoping that the person is getting the very best of care because thats a lot of fluid and probably very distressing. I thought that liver ca caused ascities. Either way if chemo is no longer an option enjoy the time while yo have it.