Breast Cancer

My mom was just diagnosed with breast cancer.  She will be 85 years old soon - and she doesn't seem to want surgery - as the "tumor" is very little at this time 1.5 centimeters. The doctor that I spoke to that gave us the results - said that if mom does decide for surgery - it will probably be a  lumpectomy.  As no one in mom's family has ever had breast cancer - is this a "death sentence" for her.  I, personally, fell that if she does go through with a lumpectomy, that she may have another 5 years of life in her.  I'm just looking for a little support and help at this time.

[Denise L. Johnson, M.D.]

Lumpectomy is the right course for your Mother if she is relatively healthy for her age and can undergo surgery.

[Galina]

Go for the lumpectomy, it's nothing to be afraid of! I just had lumpectomy at 47 and wnat to be here at least until 85!

[cooki3]

I too had a lumpectomy it was really close to nothing other then tenderness from incision.  If healthy enough to undergo anastesia I say go for it.