Help. Need information.

Mcharles

I hope I am posting to the correct forum. My mother was just told she has breast cancer. When she asked the doctor what stage is it, he responded by saying they do not go by that. He then told her if any one asks her what stage she is in to tell them the truth. The truth being she is 74B. He did not elaborate on what that means, nor did she ask. I can't find any info on this truth any where on the web. Can someone shed some light on this for me? Thank you, and God bless

Kicks

What type BC is she? (DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC) The TX plans and prognosis are different. Stage is only part of the DX (diagnosis) and is determined at/after surgery.

What is "74B"?

If you want to find out then get her to list you as one who is allowed to be given information. Hubby and Son are listed with all my Drs and they can call and legally be given any I to about me they feel they need IF I don't explain to them that they understand.

Sjacobs146

I am guessing that the doctor gave your mother a smart answer for prying people. I highly suggest that you accompany your mother to all of her doctor visits. There is a lot of Information given and it is overwhelming

Moderators

Mcharles-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're so sorry about your mother, but we hope you find the support and information you're looking for.

We would also suggest accompanying your mother to her future appointments, or having someone else that she trusts go with her. It sounds like her doctor is either being coy or not being very forthcoming, neither of which is a trait you want in the doctor responsible for your mom's care. Is it possible for her to get a second opinion from another oncologist? It's important that you all feel comfortable with and have confidence in the doctors treating her, but most importantly, that your mom feel this way about her doctors.

Please let us know how things are going, you're all in our thoughts.

The Mods

Mcharles

I will have to ask her to get more information – take notes
or get copies of her chart. I am sure when she was told she has cancer, she
went numb. She probably missed most of what he said. They are in a new
community, where they do not really know anyone. I am 600 miles away. She says
she trusts the doctor. She did say he will not be making all decisions by
himself regarding treatment. He will be meeting with 7-8 other doctors to
determine treatment options.

What questions should she ask?

1.What type BC is she? (DCIS/IDC/ILC/IBC)

2. What does 74B mean?

3.

Thank you all for your help.

LAstar

I think the "74B" part was a bad joke. The stages are 0 - 4. Request copies of the pathology report. Best wishes to your mama.

Kicks

For you to get information about her from her Drs she has to list you as one who she is willing to get her personal medical information. (Unless you are her legal guardian.) Medical information is protected. I list Hubby and Son with ALL my Drs so if I can't explain to them what is going on they can contact the Dr for answers.

Stage can be suggested but until surgery it can not be determined accurately. What are her ER/PR and HER2 status? Will there be neoadjuvant chemo (pre-surgery) or adjuvant chemo (post-surgery) or both? Radiation? Lumpectomy or mastectomy? Reconstruction and type ofif an option at time of surgery? Will she see a Chemo Dr and Rads Dr for their input before surgery? What tests/scans (full body MRI/CT, PET, Bone scans, EKG, MUGA, etc.)? What are TX (treatment) options? Are there mets?

Have her take her cell and have it on speaker while in the appt if you can't be there. Or if she has a smart phone, use it to record the appt and then it can be reviewed later or you hear it.