National Cancer Institute- NCI

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You shared in your e-mail that your mother has meningeal carcinomatosis. The NCI dictionary of cancer terms describes this as a serious problem that may occur in cancer in which cancer cells spread from the original (primary) tumor to the meninges (thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). Here is a link to this definition:

NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: Meningeal Carcinomatosis
http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?CdrID=639507

According to a textbook of the NCI’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) titled, Manual of Clinical Oncology by D.A. Casciato, intrathecal chemotherapy and palliative radiation are among treatment options in the United States for cancer that has spread to the meninges. We apologize that we do not have this text in electronic format and are unable to provide a link to this resource.

Your e-mail also mentions that the doctors have not identified where your mother’s cancer began. When cancer has spread to other places in the body and cannot be cured or controlled with treatment, it is called advanced cancer. With advanced cancer, doctors will often focus on palliative therapy, treatment given to relieve symptoms and reduce suffering. It is unclear if your mother may have advanced cancer, however it sounds like the doctors may be focusing on palliative care for your mother: she received palliative radiotherapy, and they are actively trying to manage her infections. It may be helpful to clarify with the doctors if they consider her cancer to be advanced. The following resource describes the role of palliative care in cancer treatment:

Palliative Care in Cancer
 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Support/palliative-care

The NCI publication below provides information for caregivers of loved ones with advanced cancer that is no longer responding to treatment. It explores many of the questions and crossroads caregivers may face.

When Someone You Love Has Advanced Cancer: Support for Caregivers
 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/When-Someone-You-Love-Has-Advanced-Cancer/allpages

The following NCI resource provides information for the patient herself. It focuses on persons for whom a cure or long-term remission is no longer likely. It discusses end stage cancer, treatment options such as palliative care, clinical trials, hospice care and home care, as well as symptom control. It also addresses emotional concerns including feelings, communicating with friends and family, and living the rest of life to its fullest and with meaning. Although it is designed for Americans, your mother may find the information helpful.

Coping with Advanced Cancer
 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/advancedcancer/allpagesFor further information, you may wish to contact an organization in Brazil that offers information services. The International Cancer Information Service Group (ICISG) aims to provide high quality cancer information services and resources on all aspects of cancer, for those concerned or affected by cancer throughout the world. The link below will direct you to contact information for member organizations of the ICISG, such as the Associacao Nacional de Informacao e Apoio sobre Cancer de Mama:

International Cancer Information Service Group
 http://www.icisg.org/meet_memberslist.htm#fBrazil

The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) consists of international cancer-related organizations devoted to the worldwide fight against cancer. These organizations serve as resources for the public and may have helpful information about cancer, treatment facilities, and financial assistance. You can find organizations such as the Federacao Brasileira de Instituicoes Filantropicas de Apoio a Saude da Mama, the Fundacao do Cancer, Brazil, and the Instituto Brasileiro de Controle do Cancer listed in the link below:

International Union Against Cancer Membership
 http://www.uicc.org/membership/list