My mom was just diagnosed

mymomrocks

My beautiful mother was just diagnosed with BC. We have only been told that it is invasive BC. More test results coming this week from her recent biopsy. I am so scared, sad and angry. I am still in shock...I just can't believe this is happening. I am glad I found this website and I will suggest my mom visit this site also. Both of my grandmothers had BC and now my mom. I worry about my risk and also I worry for my daughter when she gets older. This is terrible. I have so many questions, but until we have more detailed results from her biopsy, I feel that I am drowning in all of the info on the internet, but I am trying to educate myself. Not knowing the full extent of her cancer is awful. From what I have seen here it sounds like they will want her to have surgery very soon, is this true? Either a lumpectomy or mastectomy?

ElaineTherese

Hmm, if your Mom has the most common form of breast cancer, ER+/PR+/HER2- (her cancer is fed by estrogen but does not show an overexpression of the HER2 protein), she would do surgery first. But, if she were triple negative (ER-/PR-/HER2-) or HER2+, she might to chemo first. As you can see from my signature, I was triple positive (ER+/PR+/HER2+), and I did five months of chemo before my surgery.

One of the benefits of doing surgery first for ER+/PR+/HER2- cancer is that the doctors can take the cancer that has been surgically removed and submit it for the oncotype test. That test will reveal whether or not the benefits of chemo outweigh the risks of chemo. In many cases, BC patients can safely skip chemo.

Your Mom can also get genetic testing to see whether or not she has a genetic predisposition for BC. I had genetic testing done, and I do not have a genetic predisposition for BC, much to my daughter's relief.

In any case, remember that BC is one of the most treatable cancers out there. Over 90% of women diagnosed at Stages 1 and 2 are alive after five years. Contrast that with pancreatic cancer -- even though my uncle was diagnosed at Stage 2 and his cancer was operable, he has a 50% chance of being alive in five years.

((Hugs))

Ruby3813

mymomrocks - try not to freak out. I know it's difficult. I freaked out when I was told. Worry, worry, worry about the what ifs and such. I was told I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). The word "invasive" scared the hell out of me. To me, invasive means it's spreading everywhere in my body. Not so in this case. Yes, it's invasive, meaning it's invaded cells outside the duct. But it's NOT a death sentence. I had a lumpectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) and things are looking good. I'll be scheduled for radiation soon, and my breast surgeon called this morning to say my Oncotype test number was so good that he doesn't think the radiation oncologist or the medical oncologist will advise chemo.

Try to stay positive for your mom. I know it's tough, but this might not be as bad as what you're thinking. :-)

Kicks

She does not have enough information yet to speculate about what her TX (treatment) plan will be. There are so many variables that come into play. Her age and other health issues can have an effect on the possible TXs. The suspected size and Stage (can be estimated from mammos/USs) which will be determined post surgery. The type of invasive (iDC or ILC) BC. ER/PR, HER2 status. Genetic testing. Lymph node/vascular involvement. Possible mets.

She does need to see a Breast Surgeon (someone who specializes in breast issues) not a 'General Surgeon'. Also see a Medical Oncologist (Chemo Dr) and Radiological Oncologist (Rads Dr) before starting on any TX plan. Very basically, Surgeons cut, MO's do Chemo and RO's do rads. They are each Specialist in their field and for the best ultimate outcome they work together - as a Team, not 3 different Drs each singly doing their own 'thang'. There will most likely be a Tumor Board at the Facility she'll be going to which will review her case and have recommendations for TX.

Neoadjuvant Chemo (pre-surgery) has long been the Standard for TXing IBC, but is now becoming more common for other types of BC. Neoadjuvant Chemo is used to shrink the cancer and get good margins for a better surgical outcome. After neoadjuvant Chemo some will have a complete response (no cancer found during surgery) but not all will though but will be smaller and better margins, so probably/possibly less invasive surgery. Rather or not it is a lumpectomy or mastectomy is suggested will depend on the variables.

Both of you get notepads and write down all questions you come up with so they aren't forgotten while sitting talking to the Drs. Make a second copy of the list to hand to the Drs as he/she can sometimes answer several questions at the same time. Use her or your smart phone to record what the Dr actually says so in the future what was said is not completely remembered as Dr stated, the exact words can be reviewed.

If she is comfortable with you getting her medical info, talking to her Dr be sure she remembers to list as approved to receive Ber info (HIPPA). Hubby and Son are listed with all my Drs in case they ever feel the need to ask the Drs questions.

Especially until more is known of DX - stay away from Dr 'Quack Google'. There is good info that can be found there - BUT there is also a lot of BOGUS 'junk'.

Just my thoughts!

MTwoman

mymomrocks, Kicks has some great tips. I'd also add getting a copy of all of your mom's reports to keep in a binder. You can get a cd of all films/radiology and get pathology reports too. If anything is confusing, you can get women here to help understand the implications if you have the exact wording. There is such a wealth of experience here on these forums. No matter what the results or choices, there are women here who have experienced them. It does help to have support here. ((hugs)) to you and your beautiful Mother.

Kicks

Just thought of another 'something', no matter rather a lumpectomy or mastectomy, that info/education needs to be gotten about before any surgery - Lymph Edema.

It is a very real possibility after any surgery(traumatic injury). Unfortunately, many/most Drs are woefully ignorant about it. An appt. with an LumphEdema Therapist will establish a baseline, measurements before surgery, before it presents IF it presents. Info/education will be given at that appt. as to how to lower the possibility of developing LE, MLD, etc. An LET will be a PT or an OT with further education - not just a PT who claims to know 'all about LE'.

If you go to the LymphEdema Forum here, she/you can get a lot of information from ones who do actually have experience with LE and how some Drs choose to be proactive for us individually or many who have no clue.

mymomrocks

Thank you all so much for your replies. Each of you has provided some very helpful information. I really appreciate the suggestions and support.

mymomrocks

Thank you...I will try my best not to worry too much.

mymomrocks

Thank you so much for all the helpful info. I will do all of these things you suggested.