My mum diagnosed w/IDC

JPT

Hi everyone,

My 73 year old mum has been diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma after a routine annual mammogram. Her lesion was 13mm, Grade 2 with no axilla adenopathy. She has been told by her doctor that she doubts she will need chemotherapy and that it was found really early.

Unfortunately, she suffers from a significant lung condition (she needs to carry oxygen on a plane) and she is terrified she will not survive the surgery. My research has told me there are other options, however these were not mentioned by her doctor.

Firstly, in the scheme of things, how should we interpret her specific diagnosis and secondly, is there anyone who may be able to offer advice in regards to her lung condition?

Thank you for any information you may have.

Jamie

MelissaDallas

Doctors and surgeons deal with comorbidities all the time. If they are not positive about how to handle something they consult with other specialists. People with heart and lung issues still have surgeries. A lumpectomy is a very simple and fairly quick surgery. I am not sure about the other options you refer to besides surgery that the doctor did not discuss. The only things I am aware of are a very few doctors doing ablations, but that is far from a common option in lieu of surgery at this time.

I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “how should we interpret her specific diagnosis?” What specific questions do you have?

JPT

Thank you for your reply,

I'm sorry to be confusing...I think I'm still in a state of shock!

By specific diagnosis, how does this affect her prognosis? I understand every case if different, however any generalisations would be beneficial at this stage.

As far as what my mum's Dr told her, she said that it just had to be removed. My mum disclosed her condition and was quite anxious as to how it was to be removed, as there are very real complications with elderly people with COPD and her first concern was not the cancer, but dying on the table. My reading has suggested that these procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic and light sedation which may save her life and, regardless of the cancer, is our first concern.

Thanks,

J

AliceBastable

Although most lumpectomies are performed under general anesthesia, I've seen on these boards that other, lighter types of anesthesia can be used. In fact, when I had a re-excision to clean out a narrow margin, I believe that's what was used. They just conk you out with the IV and if any breathing apparatus is used, it's the kind that just goes to the upper throat. Your mom's is so tiny it might be removed by a needle, not much different than doing a biopsy.

Salamandra

I had some kind of sedation for my lumpectomy rather than general anesthesia.

I agree with those above - give the doctors a chance to see what they can offer you. Collect 2nd and 3rd opinions, bring in specialists. Cancer can feel much more urgent than it actually is. It's ok to take (some) time to collect options. I hope this can help relieve your mother's anxiety. She will get a medical recommendation that is based on *her* health status and needs.

If she is not already being seen at an NCI facility, setting up a consultation at one is probably a good idea. They will have access to all the latest tech, knowledge, and expertise.

JPT

Thank you everyone for your information.

I have done a lot of reading and I feel a little more armed than I did yesterday. I have relayed all this information to my mum and I will keep you updated after her meeting with the surgeon on Monday.

Thank you so much!

arabiansrock

they can do nerve blocks and local and give your mum sedation instead of anesthesia. for something that small that should work. Good luck to you mum.