Need some clarification..Mom's surgery is July 28th

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GabM16
GabM16 Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer

Hello

My mom was diagnosed in June with what they thought was stage 1 breast cancer. She had a biopsy & they told her there was cancer in each breast, but they were very small (i think 2mm & 8mm). At that point her BS said she would only need a lumpectomy and possible radiation. She then went in for an MRI and what they thought was a large area of calcification now looked suspicious. They did another biopsy & found cancer there as well. At that point her BS said she would need a mastectomy. She is scheduled to have a bilateral mastectomy this coming wednesday with immediate recontruction, using her belly fat to create breasts. After the second biopsy, they didnt tell her how large the area of cancer was & she still doesnt know. Would any of you have an idea how big or advanced the new area of cancer is for them to choose mx instead of lumpectomy? What stage would that be considered? They also said that after surgery they will do pathology on what they removed & that will determine whether radiation, chemo or neither is necessary. Other women on this board seem to know what they will need before their surgery. Is my mom's case the norm? Any input is GREATLY appreciated!!!

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited July 2010

    Yikes, this would make me nervous. Has she seen an oncologist, or only a surgeon? I would suggest she have a consultation with an oncologist before she has surgery. An oncologist will see the big picture and may be able to give more options (perhaps including doing chemo first and shrinking the tumor so she could have a lumpectomy). Also, if she needs an MX there are various reconstruction options that should be discussed AND not everyone can have immediate reconstruction, AND she should know what she is getting into. I am suspcious about her surgeon, don't let her be railroaded into doing anything without knowing her options and the pluses and minuses of each one....anyone else feel this way?

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  • LuvRVing
    LuvRVing Member Posts: 4,516
    edited July 2010

    Gab,

    I am so sorry that your Mom is facing a bilateral mastectomy.  Things will be dificult for all of you for a while, and the "not knowing" is absolutely the worst.  Do not hesitate to have your mom call her surgeon and ask the questions that you've asked here.  Really, none of us can know the answers as there are many factors that go into a decision to do a mx vs a lumpectomy.   Be sure that someone goes with your mom to get the answers, or is on the phone with her when she speaks to the doctor.  It's hard to remember everything and it's hard to not get emotional about the whole situation. 

    (((HUGS))) to you and your Mom, and I hope everything goes well on the 28th.

    Michelle

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  • MrsNice
    MrsNice Member Posts: 258
    edited July 2010

    I agree with Ruth.  Every patient has the right to have ALL the information about their situation, and have a trusted professional explain everything to them in detail.  Especially at early stages there is plenty of time to research, discuss, and decide on treatments.  My first surgeon and oncologist were in-cahoots on the mastectomy/chemo bandwagon, but I decided I wanted a 2nd opinion before I went down that road.

    2nd opinions, or even 3rd and 4th if necessary, can be very valuable.  Had I not gone for a 2nd opinion, I would have had a mastectomy already and be receiving chemo.  At this point, I've had a "segmental" mastectomy (or wide re-excision lumpectomy, whichever you wanna call it) and am waiting pathology results from my axillary nodes to determine whether chemo will be helpful. My diagnosis was May 17th and the last 2 months have been difficult in terms of scheduling, testing, another surgery, and waiting, but I'd rather have most of my breast and be waiting for  test results than have no breast.

    If your mom has access to a "comprehensive cancer center" I would highly recommend getting in to see the specialists there.  What part of the country are you in?

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  • GabM16
    GabM16 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2010

    Thank you for replying ladies. She has seen her oncologist and her oncologist is in agreement with my mom's BS  about the mx. My mom chose to do the reconstruction from her belly fat b/c she didnt want anything foreign in her body. We live in Miami & she is being treated at a reputable comprehensive cancer center. I spoke to my mom after I read your posts and she says she'sis still a stage 1. The hospital has her scheduled for a "simple mx" which she says is used for stage 1 & 2 cancer & that they don't cut as deep with this procedure. Is that an accurate statement?? Also, I don't know why they didnt tell her how big the the spot was when they did the 2nd biopsy but my mom was at work & forgot to ask.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited July 2010

    Go onto the home page and print out all the information about treatment options and see if you and your mom can meet and talk to someone to have all your questions answered. Also (if your mom is willing) see what forms she should sign so that they can share information with you. She might not be the type who wants to know everything, so it is good she has you in her corner!

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  • GabM16
    GabM16 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2010

    My mom's surgery is in 3 days so there's no way she would consider researching/choosing a different procedure. I dont know if that was what I was necessarliy thinking either. Just wanted to see if other women went through the same scenario (with thinking something was just calicification but ended up being cancerous) or seeing what the pathology shows before even knowing what was to come after the mx. Is that standard stuff? Has anyone been told they only needed a lumpectomy but then told they needed a mx? What were the cirumstances? My mom is the type of person who doesnt want to know everything. I am the total opposite in that regard. Sorry for all the wordy questions.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited July 2010

    I can't answer the mx questions, but do ask her if she would be willing to sign something so that you and the doctors can talk freely throughout her treatment. Best of luck! Ruth

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  • dsengplute
    dsengplute Member Posts: 19
    edited July 2010

    Hi GabM.  My Mom's BC was diagnosed, radical mx and done (really gone) about 30 years ago.  My BFF was a different story.  Jan. 8 diagnosed then biopsy, scans, tests and by mid-Feb. was Stage IV with one mets to the bone.  I just spent last weekend with her at MD Anderson in Houston where thankfully we found out she is doing really well, chemo worked wonders, surgery will be minor in comparison to mx and radiation may be completed quicker than first suspected.  Anyway, what a reality check it was for me spend a couple of days in that cancer research hospital!  10 massive buildings all dedicated to one type of cancer or another, each the size of a small airport.  The number of women dealing with breast cancer is truly staggering, the number of people being treated for cancer is unbelievable.  Each person that I met had a different story to tell.  In spite of the volume of patients one thing was for sure, each treatment protocal was different just as the individual was unique and each person I met had a strength of spirit and generousity you don't run into everyday.  Your Mom will find her way through this with you at her side.  It is my wish for both of you that you gain strength and deepen your love for each other through those that you meet along the way. 

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited July 2010

    I agree with all the other posters, everyone's cancer experience is individual. You asked about thinking something was just calcifications then showed as cancer. In Jan 2005 I had calcifications on my mammo that biopsied showed up as pre-cancer ADH (atypical ductal hyperplaysia). In Aug 2006, more calcifications other breast biopsied as more ADH. April 2007, more calcifications biopsied as grade 1 DCIS. Because of family history and previous ADH dx I opted for bilat mast for peace of mind.

    Sheila

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  • MBJ
    MBJ Member Posts: 4,352
    edited July 2010

    So sorry to hear about your mom and I know how scary this must be for you.

    I agree with what everyone else has said above.  I got three consults and avoided having much more extensive surgery by having chemo first.  By getting three opinions I also avoided having radiation, which wasn't necessary because I never had lymph node involvement.  My first surgeon kept telling me I would die if I didn't do what he said, but upon choosing a better and more sensitive and caring surgeon, and although I still lost one breast, I am undergoing immediate reconstruction. It's important to know that I had chemo first which made my surgery less invasive.  You want doctors who are well balanced and who see the whole picture and who also have the patient's best interests at heart.  My first consult did not take me into consideration at all.  Ultimately, it is your mother's choice.

    Hugs,

    Mary 

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  • GabM16
    GabM16 Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2010

    Hello ladies

    Thank you for all the replies. My mom had her surgery yesterday, it was 9.5 hours long but it was successful & there were no complications. The BS said he didnt find any suprises, took a couple lymph nodes from each side, but he said those looked good too. Her reconstruction went well also. She is in ICU for the next couple days, in pain but in good spirits. I will be there again tonight & I keep calling to check in on her. This whole experience has been so crazy & I really feel for all the women out there going through the same thing. Good Luck to all of you! 

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited July 2010

    Thanks for the update. My best to her and to you too. Ruth

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