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Can a surgeon tell if its breast cancer before receiving biopsy results?

Breast cancer came back after 13 yrs..i need educated answers please?

  • My mom had breast cancer 13 yrs ago...since then she regularly went for mammograms. This year they saw something..did an ultrasound..saw something then did a biopsy...results came back ductual carcinoma infiltrating...meaning cancer that spread in the lymp nodes..(node biopsy was done). The surgeon wont touch my mother..she is 80 yrs old with a heart condition...he feels like radiation without surgery will be the same benefit and less risk. We are still waiting for the receptors to come back. I am scared..very scared. Is this treatable????? I have an oncologist appt at the end of the month...i keep thinking no one will do anything or care because of her age.

  • Answer:

    It is best to talk with the oncologist. To get a better picture of what treatments are best for the type of cancer your mother has. Write down any questions you have when you meet up with him or her. The treatment of cancer varies depending on the type of cancer found and the stage it is in. It is the oncologist's job to determine and suggest which treatment would be of benefit to your mother. Surgery is not always indicated for cancer, esp. if the cancer has spread. Also, the age and any pre-existing medical conditions would indicate if a person is a suitable candidate for surgery. There may be big complications if an anesthetist or surgeon finds that an individual is not medically suitable for surgery, if it is considered. It is a scary place to be in, but hang in there. Be there as much as possible for your mother and ask the doctor's any questions you have. You are also entitled to second opinion if you wish. Best wishes. Btw- I would agree with most here that it is important to listen to what your mother wants after she is informed. I am also very sorry to hear this for you both & I hope the best for you and your mother... To some people answering: I am also unhappy with some of the reactions of others here..it's true to be upfront and consider her mom, but this person found out her mother has cancer...please have more compassion and consideration..it is a period where people go through emotions..

sunshine... at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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I’m not sure I really understand you infiltrating ductal carcinoma does not mean the cancer has invaded the lymph nodes. The fact a biopsy was done of the lymph nodes and cancer was found means it invaded the lymph nodes. If there is cancer only in the nodes and not the breast removing the lymph nodes provides no benefit at all. You really need to go with her to her doctor’s appointments. Her age does not prevent treatment.

Denisedds

I was treated for breast cancer 6 years ago and at age 52 I would be hesitant to put myself through that again if it was to return. At 80, I would almost certainly opt for the least invasive treatment possible. This isn't about you loosing your mother, it is about what treatment she is prepared to undertake. With a pre-existing heart condition, surgery is a major risk. Depending on the extent of spread, I would be looking for quality of life over quantity of life, but this is not your call, it is your mother's. Unless she is also suffering dementia and you are her medical guardian?

Tarkarri

Surgery at heart age with a heart condition is too risky The doctor wont take the chance of losing her on the operating table If the doctor feels radiation will have the same effect as surgery Then he is telling you radiation will take care of the cancer The doctor does care >>> He is just telling you that surgery is not an option for someone her age Tell Mom take the radiation for any chance to survive this disease Keep the faith I will pray that she does well with outcome

Susie Q

So sorry to hear about your mother.The doctors treated my late father's gall bladder cancer with chemo at the age of 79 which was successful.My father also had numerous ailments including heart disease.He could be alive today if liver failure did not claim him due to heavy drinking. I would think radiation treatment is a viable option because it is not an invasive procedure. If you want to chat;please email me and advise.Your mother must be a wonderful person just like her daughter. There is always hope.

john

What does your mum want? Have you asked her? If the surgeon said radiation would be the same benefit with less risk isn't that a good thing? I don't think they will do nothing but they will take her age into consideration.

AM

if you want educated answers talk to the oncologist not Y!A.

Wrenched

This may sound harsh but at 80, with a heart condition, subjecting you mom to surgery may be fatal. It is possible that with radiation the cancer can be slowed, enough, if not stopped. If my cancer came back then, I would not want to undergo surgery but to just maintain as good a quality of life as possible for whatever number of years I have left on this earth. You mention "you" have an oncologist appointment at the end of the month. What about mom? Is this for you or mom? Is mom willing to go through with treatment again? If mom has her full mental faculties her opinion is what counts and you need to listen to her. Yes, it is scary to deal with the thought that you may loose your mom, but you also need to consider her feelings in this issue too.

knittinmama

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