My Grandma just found out she has breast cancer

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tazicket
tazicket Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
My Grandma just found out a few days before Christmas that she has breast cancer. She had it several years ago and hasn't had any other problems with it until now. I don't know what kind she has or what they'll need to do to treat it. I was directed here by another breast cancer survivor on a different message board.

She's in her 70s and is prepared for them to remove her breast and do chemo treatments. As far as I know, they have not told her what exactly they'll be doing this time around. Is it more dangerous to go through the treatments at her age than if she were younger?
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  • batcitygirl
    batcitygirl Member Posts: 7
    edited December 2006
    Hi Tazicket,
    Treatment takes a toll on our bodies no matter what the age. Your Grandma may be in her 70's but may be healthier than a woman 20 years her junior. I was 49 when I had my treatments (this year). I met a wonderful lady who was 78 and she flew through radiation.
    BC doesn't necessarily mean breast removal. She needs to find out exactly what kind of cancer she's got and to what extent it's spread. She can then make an informed decision.
    You're in all our prayers. This is a hard time for you all.
    Continue to check this site and other threads. This is the best information you'll get.
    Angie
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  • makaryne
    makaryne Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2006
    Kiss your Grandma. Hug your Grandma. Tell her you love her. That you are here to support her. When she's in the middle of treatment, for no reason, call on her with a pan of baked brownies and a single fork - or arrive with a package of foot massage cream, and tell her all over again.

    Wishing her ...and all of you....well.

    R
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  • tazicket
    tazicket Member Posts: 2
    edited December 2006
    Will do. She's a fighter and one of the bravest women I know. If anybody deserves brownies, it's her.
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  • LondonOKP
    LondonOKP Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2007
    She was diagnosed in late november/early december, and went in for an operation the next week which I think was to try and remove the cancerous tissue - afterwards she told us that the operation went fine and was successful etc. Found out last night that she wasn't telling me the truth, and she needs to have a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. I understand why she lied - didn't want me to worry about her, but I'm kinda angry (well not angry, but...) that she didn't tell me - I'm even more worried about her now.

    I've been doing some research, but I just can't get my head around what is happening
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  • dpbelew
    dpbelew Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2007
    Tazticket, my mom is 72 and was diagnosed in Sept 06. When a dr found it, she was scared to tell anyone in her family. She has always been strong even at 72. She went through some rough spots, but she is determined to manage this and not let it manage her. These boards have been great inspirations when she has been down. She doesn't "do computers", so I read to her. Sometimes it helps her just to know that she is not alone with this disease. Keep loving on her and making plans for the future which include her.

    LondonOKP - Grandmas and Moms don't want their children to worry. There is a natural instinct to protect our children. Give her time to get her head around what is happening. Just let her know that you love her and will stand beside her through this. There are angels monitoring these boards and they are willing to answer your questions or just hold your hands.
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  • csp
    csp Member Posts: 2,765
    edited January 2007
    Hi London Grandma maybe wasn't telling you a lie but telling you what she knew at the time. Maybe the surgeon was doing a biopsy and removed some tissue to have it checked and now needs to remove it as it is positive. This is not unusal and is done all the time. Lumpectomy and some rads that is a good sign too maybe she does not need chemo. Just give her love and time sweetie she does not want to worry you and as much as we want to know everything as loved ones we have to take a big breath and
    let them have their privacy .

    HUGS,
    Carrie
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  • LondonOKP
    LondonOKP Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2007

    DebbieLee, CSP - thanks a lot for your advice.

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  • pannie
    pannie Member Posts: 2
    edited January 2007
    Hi:
    My Mom had Stage 3 breast cancer at age 88/89 -- went through bilat lumpectomy, radiation and is now on hormones. She was amazing through surgery and radiation and is doing quite well -- she will be 90 this March. I was told by the Onc that age does not matter.
    Pannie
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