invasive ductal carcinoma

My mother which is 47 years of age was diagnosed having an invasive ductal carcinoma after she undergone an open biopsy of the breast or lumpectomy. After a week, her doctor's decision is for her to undergo mastectomy immediately. But does her doctor's decision is correct? I ask the doctor if he could tell the stage of my mother's "breast ca"..but he couldn't answer because he said that before he could tell the stage of the cancer, my mother must first undergo a mastectomy.
is there other way of treating my mom aside from mastectomy?

i'm hoping for your answers immediately
thank you..


This discussion is related to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma- Type of treatment.

[anna521]

I am 49 and was diagnosed in January with the same thing. My doctor decided to do a lumpectomy instead. My tumor  on the upper inside top of my left breast. My doctor did core sample needle biopsy - sent them away - came back IDC and then scheduled me for the lump. a week later.  He did a dye test so he could take a sampling a lymph nodes to see if they were involved and they weren't so I went home 2 hours after the procedure.  I am now getting ready to start chemo and radiation after that.  My tumor was 1.8.  I am trying to be as preventive as possible.  The size of your mother's tumor may mean that bigger surgery is needed.  

[jinkz]

the firm mass of my mom measures 3.7 x 2.7 x 1.7 cm according to her lab results.
is it safe to conduct lumpectomy instead of mastectomy?

[anna521]

mine was much smaller and that is probably why.  remember they need to get it all so if so much of a portion is taken with the lumpectomy - she should just get the mastectomy.  I was told it depends on breast size too.  If her breasts are small to average with a large tumor - there would not be that much to conserve.  I had a friend who had a mastectomy last summer - she was 39.  Her tumor was larger and she just wanted to be as safe as possible.  good luck and prayers