My Mom was diagnosed in July....

Sadie2014

My precious Mama was diagnosed earlier this summer with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. After the partial mastectomy surgery on 8/3, the pathology reports came back as Stage 1, no lymph no involvement, clear margins, grade 3. Her Breast Surgeon was very happy with the surgery and said she thought she'd do just fine.

Now the really hard parts.....she had to visit with a Hematology Oncologist and a Radiation Oncologist. The Hematology Oncologist said she was ER+ (strongly) and fairly high PR+, Her2 -. They were thinking that most likely she would only need Radiation and Arimidex. The Oncologist wanted to run an Oncotype DX so we waited two weeks on those results. Went back a week ago and the good news was she was Hers2 negative, but her Onco score was 36. I am still shocked at how an early and small (1.4 cm.) tumor could give her a score that high! The test predicted a 25% chance of recurrence. If she would complete the four cycles of Chemo, it was lowered to 16%. Mom just lost her only sister in July from complications of Lung Cancer. We saw how sick she was as she battled the insidious disease and I'm sure that has heavily influenced her decision on Chemo. She opted for no Chemo, but complete six weeks of Radiation and begin taking Arimidex after Radiation is completed.

Of course, I worry about the decision, but I was worried about her undergoing Chemo, too. She is a diabetic and 75 years old. Otherwise in fairly good health. I know my Aunt had to take steroids for three days before and during and after her Chemo and they told my Mom the same. My Aunt who wasn't a diabetic had a very high glucose level. This really worried my Mama as she already is trying to control her diabetes. Also we worried about heart complications, neuropathy and other unknowns of what Chemo might be doing to the body.

Has anyone else here had a similar diagnosis and just completed Radiation and Hormonal Therapy as their course of treatment? If so, how are you doing?

I guess I am very angry at cancer for causing me to lose my beloved Aunt in July and then before she passed, my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. My Mom has already had endometrial cancer in 1994 when she was 53 and had a radical hysterectomy with Radiation treatments to her pelvis. She got very sick from those treatments, but she kicked cancer to the curb! I just feel so bad for her that she has to go to battle again. Sometimes life is so unfair. Please say a little prayer for my wonderful Mom. I want her with us for many, many more years. Best wishes to all the women on here that face battles.