Stage IV @ 90

Szucs

First off, I do want to make it clear that I do not have breast cancer, my grandmother does. I hope that is okay. I feel as if we both need support in this.

At age 90, in August 2018 she felt a lump. Doctor appointment made, doctor made appointment for ultrasound. The doctor that saw her on the day she had the ultrasound told her that it's probably nothing, but if it is, it would be so slow growing that she would never be affected by it.

The same day I believe she had the biopsy. She was told it was triple negative and another appointment was scheduled with a surgeon. After seeing the surgeon, it was pretty much set to have a lumpectomy. The paperwork she brought home with her that day say Invasive carcinoma. A little over a month goes by, she gets the call from surgeons office to schedule the surgery. It was scheduled for September 25, 2018. Pre-op was Sept 21. At this time, I learn she has a very small lump near her belly button. They do an EKG, and it showed something that concerned them enough to admit her.

The following day, she all of a sudden is Stage IV that has spread to the lungs. Or, the doctor said it could be lung cancer. So, in other words, she either has breast and lung cancer or breast cancer that has spread to lungs. The doctor tells us that at this point the lumpectomy is 100% not needed. He instructs me to call the surgeons office to cancel her surgery and instead to schedule an appointment for my grandmother this week to have lump near belly button removed. He said that more than likely the surgeon can do that in the office and that from there they would be able to determine if the problem in the lungs is lung cancer or secondary breast cancer.

I don't understand how it goes from being "probably nothing." to stage IV in a months time. Why no lumpectomy now?

grrifff

I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother. It’s a shock to hear “it’s nothing” then hit Stage IV in a month’s time but that’s what happened to me. Had lumpectomy, during surgery found significant nodal involvement in right axillary (21 of 23 lymph nodes were cancerous). Because of this CT scan, bone scan, bone biopsy-BOOM! Stage IV. It’s terrifying but find a doctor you like and trust for your grandmother. This goes a long way in alleviating some anxiety.Once it’s beyond the breast only systemic treatment will work.

Lynnwood1960

Even for a younger patient, once breast cancer leaves the breast and goes somewhere else, surgery is usually not done. They can treat the cancer in ways other then surgery. I know the news is very shocking to both of you. Take some time and review your options, it is not urgent that you make a quick decision. Make a list of your questions for the doctor.. if they won’t answer or you feel uncomfortable, find another doctor. Take into consideration what your grandmothers wishes are regarding her treatment, especially considering her age.