88 year old Mom diagnosed with IDC

Options
deborah-g
deborah-g Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)

This is my first post on this site and I am feeling so overwhelmed.

One year ago last week, my husband was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.  After eight months, he lost his battle and died January 18th.  Now exactly one year later, my 88 year old mother was diagnosed with IDC.  She is suffering with mild dementia, and the whole biopsy and doctor visits have stressed her out so much.  I have yet to tell her that I have heard from the doctor, as we are to go to a follow up appointment next week.  I am buying some time to get educated on her options, as she does not want to have any treatments whatsoever.

I am asking if anyone can help me understand how tough the surgery would be for her, and if they know elderly women who have undergone complete masectomys themselves. 

Her biopsy last week shook her up alot.  I would appreciate any advice at all.  I did not realize I would be facing cancer so soon after the battle we underwent with my husband.

Any recommended resources for alternative care would be helpful too.

Thank you,

deb

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • PattyS
    PattyS Member Posts: 534
    edited May 2009

    Deb

    So sorry to hear about your mother. My Grandmother was also diagnosed with BC at 88. Her cancer was found very early and was not yet in the invasive stage. Because of her age they just did a lumpectomy and instead of the standard 5 or 6 weeks of radiation she received 1 week of intense radiation. No chemo treatments were ever suggested. I think because of her age they did not treat it as aggressively as they would have if she were much younger.

    Your mother may also only need to do the lumpectomy and some radiation. I do hope all goes well for you and your mother.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • deborah-g
    deborah-g Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2009

    Patty,

    thank you so much for your reply.  I would just like to ask you how the surgery went for your grandmother.  This apparently was caught early also.  The doctor suggested the same treatment as your grandmother received.  Although my mother did not want to undergo any treatments, I know she would be able to cope better if they "got the cancer out of her", by having the lumpectomy.

    Thank you so much Patty, I know there are not many at her age making these decisions.

    Take care,

    deb

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • idaho
    idaho Member Posts: 1,187
    edited May 2009

    Just my two cents: If it is DCIS and not invasive I would say leave it alone.  It is not worth putting your mother through surgery for non-invasive cancer.  If it is invasive then maybe just try tamoxifen to stop it from growing.  Tamoxifen is a pill you take every day.  My mother was diagnosed with IDC when she was 70.  She had a lumpectomy and radiation and did ok.  10 years later it was found in her other breast, she had lumpectomy again, the radiation that time killed her.  Literally, she just couldnt' stand the treatment again.  Of course it is your choice, perhaps if you posted her stats more people could tell you their experiences.  Peace to you, Tami

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited May 2009

    My aunt was diagnosed at age 86. She had a mastectomy and no other treatment. She's 92 now and doing fine.

    I don't know if the tumor was IDC or DCIS.

    Leah

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PattyS
    PattyS Member Posts: 534
    edited May 2009

    Deb,

    For some reason I can't remember the surgery part of her treatment. She did have these cylinders (for lack of a better word) placed on her breast that were needed for her to do the week of radiation. I remember having to go to her house daily to help care for the cleaning of the cylinders. They were then removed at the end of radiation.

    She passed away at the age of 94 a little over a year ago, so I can't ask her.

    Sorry I can't remember that part.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • deborah-g
    deborah-g Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2009

    Thank you for your replies.
    It does help to hear other peoples experiences with their relatives.  I will find out if it is an invasive cancer, and that will help me (us) decide what to do.  With her dementia, and the stress that has already been created, will truly break her down unless we have a decisive plan of action.

    I realize that I have to jump back in the role of caretaker, and I am so afraid as the last time with my husband, we could not conquer the beast.  He died just four months ago, and my mother still lives with me.  I know it is a blessing being a caretaker, I realized that while going through it.

    I just pray for strength getting through this.

    Thank you again for your time.

    deb

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories