77 yr old mom and chemo treatment decision

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Jacksmom24
Jacksmom24 Member Posts: 5
edited September 2017 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

I would like others' opinions or questions I should ask as my mom's medical oncology appointment is tomorrow to discuss whether or not she should do chemo. My gut feeling is that he will present pros and cons and she will need to make decision. Here are the details -

Age 77

Tumor size = .8 cm

Tumor grade = 3

Hormones - triple negative

Lumpectomy with clean margins

Other medical conditions = atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease -stage 3 moderate

Our family is at 60% (6 out of 10 aunts & nieces) of us that have had some form of breast cancer but comprehensive genetic panel testing for 4 of us has come back negative.

Her oncologist might not recommend based on age, size of tumor and other medical conditions but just in case he suggested it, I want to be ready with questions so she can make a solid decision.

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited September 2017

    Jacksmom, I'm sorry no one has weighed in yet, the boards are often more quiet on the weekends. I honestly would discuss the risks and your Mom's current medical condition with the MO and see what the recommendations are. I do think that the final decision will be your Mom's, but they do typically make a recommendation. Have them explain why they are recommending that so you better understand. You also may want to check out the "chemo - before during and after" forum as well as the "triple negative bc" forum for other discussions/experiences. So sorry about you Mom!

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  • muska
    muska Member Posts: 1,195
    edited September 2017

    With stage 0, small size and clear margins I don't think they will recommend chemo. Probably radiation.

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  • Jacksmom24
    Jacksmom24 Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2017

    Oh sorry, I wasn't very clear as she is Invasive ductal, stage 1. I was the one with DCIS several years back. Breast cancer loves our family unfortunately!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited September 2017

    I wonder if her oncologist would consider offering CMF chemo, which has gained some traction recently for treatment of triple negative cancers. It is thought to be a gentler regimen, and may be more tolerable for your mom. My dad had two rounds of Taxol, I believe half a dozen infusions each time, separated by about six months, at the age of 82 and he did quite well. Sorry you both are facing this, I don't know which is worse - being the patient or watching someone you love be the patient. Wishing you both the best.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited September 2017

    SpecialK has made a good suggestion. It is not only a question of chemo or not. If chemo is recommended, the next questions are which chemo and how many treatments.

    The doctor will probably use a calculator such as Adjuvent Online or Cancer Math to help assess the chance of recurrence with and without chemo. You can google Cancer Math and put your mom's info in and do a calculation yourself but you will want the MO's advice on interpreting the results.

    Good luck with the appointment.

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