84 years old, Mastectomy vs Radiation, what would you do?

Mcgr45

Hello Friends,

I am MCGR and my mother, who is 84 years old was literally just diagnosed 9 days ago with Stage 3 Breast Cancer in her left breast and nodule's that are going to be watched in right breast, after having a 2 hour Diagnostic Mamogram. No Biopsy done yet. Had first opinion going for 2nd and 3rd opinion this week, then will make a decision.Last mammogram was in 1998. You heard right, her last Mamogram was 18 YEARS AGO. Her last blood work was 10 years ago. Mom is of the thought, "Here no evil, see no evil, speak no evil"! Now EVIL has befallen her, and pardon my French, it's a $hitstorm! The incidental finding showed elevated liver enzymes, gallstones and sludge in her gallbladder, (it's not infected just distended) and multiple diverticuli, up and down her small and large colon (again NOT diverticulotis). Rest of bloodwork including CBC with Diffetentials was normal, including white blood count. Other then the cancer, diverticuli, and gallstones the emergency room doctor said my mother was healthy. What a joke. I don't yet know the entire diagnosis because there has been no biopsy. So here it is-We had a consult with a recommended Surgeon who is 72, from the OBGYN who is 62. Surgeon said take off the breast involved and that radiation burns and can effect the liver and heart. It's not so good for an 84 year old. My mom can walk slowly, but has bad knees, hearing loss, and her memory is going, (she repeats herself) and she has eye site issues. What would you do? Anyone in the same situation or doctors that can help?

Moderators

We are very sorry to hear about what your mom and you are going through! This is not possible for us to provide a medical opinion, but are pleased to hear that you are getting additional opinions. The biopsy results will help to determine the best treatment, also taking in her age and condition. How is she managing emotionally?

keepthefaith

You can always seek another opinion. I am surprised that they DX'd her without a biopsy...a lot to consider. As far as the effect radiation can have, it varies like all treatments; but, I would consult a Radiation Oncologist for advice on that. So sorry you both are going through this. Wishing you the best!

muska

I think you should wait till more information is available and you know both the type of cancer (ER+? HER+?) and invasion status. The staging you were given is preliminary but assuming it is confirmed and she is indeed stage 3, the surgeon's advice makes sense to me. If she is ER+ like most of us, hormonal therapy post mastectomy may work quite well for her.

downdog

I am assuming she has decision making capacity. Is she is able to fully understand her situation? What are her goals in managing her cancer? How important is QOL (quality of life)? Side effects of treatment vary by individual, but her age is likely to disadvantage her. Although breast cancer for women 80+ can often be effectively treated, women her age are frequently undertreated. Sometimes it comes down to what they choose to endure (and what their bodies can tolerate). Anticipated lifespan is another factor to consider. Once you have her pathology report, you can consider treatment options and their respective pros and cons. It's obviously her decision, but given her other health conditions, perhaps consider mastectomy alone, and if her tumor has hormone positive receptors, try hormonal therapy and she can assess whether the side effects are tolerable. Personally, I wouldn't choose a surgeon who is 72, regardless of reputation. My mother's 88 year old friend recently quit chemo as part of her stage III breast cancer treatment. Her life experiences include some pretty nasty stuff, but chemo side effects were the worst hell she had ever been through and just not worth it to her. There is no perfect choice; whatever your mother chooses for herself is the right choice for her. Good luck

Mcgr45

thanks for the advice and well wishes. Mom is going to get a guided ultrasound needle biopsy in each breast. I think her comfort and her ability to tolerate treatment will be the deciding factor in what we will do. I will post what her stage is officially next week when we get more info.

Mcgr45

UPDATE: My 84 year old mother was recently and officially diagnosed with Stage 2, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. With a biopsy, it was not a guess it is a "fact." She has a 1.8 cm tumor near the back of her left breast with a "scootch" of fat plane left for the surgeon to cut it out via a Lumpectomy. The growths in her right breast are benign. The Oncologist said the tumor was 100% Estrogen and 100% Progesterone Positive, HER2 Negative, one or two lymph nodes involved, Grade 2, Ki67 (doubling time) is 30%. I am glad she decided andwent with the Oncologist and Surgeon that did a full workup vs one that was just going to take off her entire breast and then biopsy the tumor. Thanks for your help ladies and you are in my prayers.