Mom is 83 and diagnosed with IBC

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Jacq
Jacq Member Posts: 7
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
Mom is 83 and diagnosed with IBC
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  • Jacq
    Jacq Member Posts: 7
    edited April 2008

    We just got some preliminary information that my mother, who is 83 years old, and in fair/stable health but with a fair amount of dementia, has IBC.  It started out a week ago with a rash and a breakthrough in the skin where the breast meets the chest wall.She has a tumor (lump)trying to get out of the hole.  We took her to a surgeon who felt it may be IBC, and he took a biopsy.  We only have the beginning info of the pathology report - no tumor markers etc.(Not sure that really matters in this case)  I will be taking her to the oncologist tomorrow to see what he thinks.  The surgeon first said that he would do a mastectomy and give her arimidex.  That's before this was confirmed as IBC.  He is on vacation until next week, so he wanted us to follow up with the Onc.  All the information I read is so scary.  Especially since it looks like chemo, surgery, radiation and maybe more chemo is the way to beat this thing.  If it was IDC, as we hoped, she would have a chance.  I can't imagine any doctor would recommend IBC treatment for someone her age.  I have not seen any references to anyone her age getting IBC in my research. 

    She has a limited, but comfortable, relaxing, calm life living at home with a caretaker and my dad.  We assumed she would live a few more years and disappear more into herself and that would be the way she would go.  How could she now have such a rare and aggressive cancer?  I am so concerned at how she will now have to die with an aggressive cancer taking over her body.  What will that mean for her in terms of pain? 

    I guess I will ask those questions of the oncologist tomorrow.  Has anyone ever survived this cancer without chemo?  She is not in the type of condition to do chemo and radiation.  And I would guess they will not offer it to her anyway.

    I am a survivor myself.  IDC - stage 1, almost 3 years NED. 

    I never expected this and I am frightened for her.  Is this unusual at her age?  I guess this cancer is unusual at any age. 

    You ladies are brave and strong.  Any thoughts?

    Thanks,

    Jacq

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  • larousse
    larousse Member Posts: 317
    edited April 2008

    I guess it depends on the biopsy results and the stage of the BC. BC moves really slowly at that age.



    My mother in law was 70 when she was diagnosed with IDC stage 1. She had lumpectomy, radiation, and took tamoxifen for five years, and is now 76 and doing great. One of the onc recommended chemo but not the second opinion, and she opted for no chemo.

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  • larousse
    larousse Member Posts: 317
    edited April 2008

    jacq, just deleted my previous comment because I realized after the fact that she has IBC and my example was for IDC stage 1. So sorry that you have to deal with this. Remember at that age BC moves really slowly. Hopefully she will only have to do radiation.



    Good luck to you and your mom.

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  • lexi4
    lexi4 Member Posts: 1,074
    edited April 2008

    Hi Jacq,

    I am saddened to read of your mom's daignosis. Yes, I think you are right. Because of her age they may not recommend chemo tx. Perhaps rads and hormonal tx will keep the cancer at bay. I wish I had more answers. You may want to look at ibcresearch.org. Perhaps there may be some similar stories to your mom.

    This disease stinks at any age. Please share with your mom that there are many here. She is in my prayers now.

    Hugs,

    Lexi

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