Ms.

[84yearold]

My 84 year old mother was told  she had the beginning stages of cancer in a biopsy of a small 7 dot spattering of crystals deep in her lower Brest. The treatment they want to do on her is remove the tissue and 6 weeks of radiation everyday. I'm worried at her age this kind of surgery and radiation could take her so far down she may not recover. She is a vibrant in good health woman who could be compared to a 70 year old. Should we get a second opinion or am I worried for no reason.

[zouzi]

Hi,
First of all,I am sorry that your mom has been diagnosed with early breast cancer,but the good thing is that early breast cancer is highly curable.
If your mom is in good health as you stated,her age does not really matter and I don't see why surgery would endanger her life.The decision regarding the treatment of breast cancer for older women who are strong, and do not have any significant diseases such as heart problems, diabetes, etc, then a lumpectomy or mastectomy would be the proper way to proceed.
After the surgery and final pathology results, the next step will be on what type of treatment plan her Oncologist would  recommend in her particular situation.
Don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if you have any doubts so it could help you and your mom understand all you need to know and to be better informed about her medical care.
Wishing you both all the best...

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi,

I understand your concern, but as you noted, many older adults today maintain the health status of someone 10 or 15 years younger.

For example, a neighbor of mine went through bilateral knee replacement in her 80s, and is still playing golf and walking daily for exercise!

The surgery should not be too difficult for your mother her, but strong medications, such as pain meds, can sometimes temporarily didsorient or confuse older people, so be sure to keep an eye out for this. (It reverses once the medications wear off.)

The dailly radiation may make her very tired (as it can anyone going through it), but if she is in as good health as you say, it shouldn't be anything she won't revcover from with time.

Best wishes to bothe you and your mom,
bluebutterfly

[allmymarbles]

Get a second or even a third opinion. There are more conservative methods for treating a woman of her age who is in the very early stages of cancer. What is in her favor is that cancer is more slow-growing at her age. You want to avoid the cure being more injurious than the disease.

[japdip]

I certainly concur with the recommended treatment plan that has been formulated for your Mother. The surgery and follow-up treatment should cause your Mother no problems since you say she is quite healthy otherwise. I would not waste time seeking other opinions unless you have no confidence in the Dr.s who are treating your Mother at this time. "Catch it Early .... Treat it immediately .... be done with it ! The surgery itself should not cause her any problem and the Radiation would of course have the usual side effects ... tiredness during treatment is fairly common and some skin issues may be a problem but the Oncologist would certainly have creams and the like to help with this IF it occurs. You have received excellent advice from both "Zouzi" and "Bluebutterfly2222". You have a golden opportunity here to take advantage of an early diagnosis .... please don't waste it. Kindest regards ...

[84yearold]

Thank you sooooo much to all that responded. I feel so much better knowing this is the best way to proceed.