Just a daughter here for her mom

mom3timz

Hi all. I've been lurking since yesterday when we finally got the news we've been expecting for a couple of weeks: my mother does have breast cancer. She was recalled after a routine mammogram in late December. Then sent to a surgeon since radiologist said she needed a biospy. (I still don't get that exact course of events because... the surgeon showed me about a 2 inch indentation under her breast and said he could palpate the mass... sent us back to a radiologist for the biopsy?) Anyway, we got her into the breast center nearby for the biopsy (ultrasound guided.) She is a retired RN and asked his honest opinion: he felt it was most likely malignant. And he was right.

The path report is very sparse. Just that it is IDC and Nottingham Grade I. I know the grade shows probable good prognosis. (Yay for Google?! )

My mother was pretty set on what she wanted to do when given her two option of lumpectomy or mastectomy. The office called less than an hour later with her surgery time for this Monday for her mastectomy. She is not interested in reconstruction. Says she's too old (over 70) and dad won't miss it that much. (At least they were trying to joke a little yesterday?)

Surgeon explained how he'll do a quick SLN biopsy first. We will wait for the results before he goes in a couple of hours later to finish up, taking more nodes if needed.

Does the Nottingham Grade help us know if the cancer might not have a spread to lymph nodes yet? Or give us an idea of chance? 

She only has one kidney and is pretty adamant that she will not be having chemotherapy. She had some friends end up on dialysis after chemo and they had two functioning kidneys.  

I have told her I respect that but if nodes are involved could we at least hear out what the oncologist says? After that I know it's her choice.

I'm glad the stars aligned and it was super fast surgery date so she can not dwell on the waiting period.

I have three kids (14 and under) and we live with my parents currently. I'll be telling the kids Sunday night. I think she'd prefer they not know at all, but uh, well, they are kinda going to notice something is going on. She was okay with me telling them when I said I was presenting it that there was a small cancer growing (about the size of a large pea) and that grandma had talked to a surgeon and they decided the best way was to remove the whole breast. That way it was gone.

If we're in nodes... we'll just have to add to what they know later. Figured simplest was the best way to explain to them... but old enough to understand some.

ANYWAY... I'm here reading lots. Still wondering what the implication means for me as well. I have an area of microcalcifications that have been watched for two years now. It's been bothering me now and again that I have very dense breasts (noted on my mamms always) and that something might being missed. I can do a self exam all I want... it's hard to feel in there. They are all sorts of lumpy!! Always have been. That's why my OBGYN (I had recently switched to her) insisted I get a baseline before 40. I plan to speak with her in med Feb at my yearly appt. I was just finally realized from every 4-6 months to 8 months until next mamm since everything is stable. I'm not so worried about me per se... more... let's be sure so we can knock it off the list.

ANYWAY... thanks for the helpful insights I've found lurking last night and this morning.

Monday, here we come! 

mom3timz

Surgery went well today. On pull out bed in her room. Can't sleep. Sentinel Nodes were hard and surgeon was pretty sure by sight alone they were positive. Lab confirmed. He said he just took all the nodes he could get. Not sure of exact number. Not sure how long we have to wait for full report. Not sure of much.



Surgeon said she'd have to do chemotherapy. She isn't too keen on that idea. I am focusing on one day at a time right now.



Anything I need when we go home Wednesday or Thursday to keep her comfortable?