Update on my mom

AngieDoogles · Regular Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 13 Location: TN

Mom had an appointment today for her biopsy. It turns out she doesn't have Paget's like they originally thought. The doctor said it's actually an invasive type of cancer. She goes back tomorrow morning for a CT scan and a bone scan to find out if it has spread or not. They say she'll need 5 or 6 months of chemo, then surgery, then radiation. I'm such a mess right now. I guess you never really expect something like this to actually affect someone you know and love...

Muttsmom · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 11:48 am Post subject: Re: Update on my mom

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your mom's dx. How large was the tumor or did they just take a sample? If they took it all, did they get clean margins? What about lymph node involvement? If they just took a sample, they won't know the rest until they do more surgery.

You'll see by my dx, I have Invasive cancer and I'm doing great. There are some that have non invasive, but you'll find most have invasive, so please don't let that think it's bad news. They have come a long ways in treatment.

Keep us posted on what you find out about what kind of BC and Stage, if hers is hormone positive etc.
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

AngieDoogles · Regular Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 13 Location: TN

Thanks Nancy.

They just took the sample today, and I'm not sure how long it takes to get more information. I don't have classes tomorrow so I'm going to go to the doctor with my mom for the first time (if she'll let me). I'm making a list of questions to ask so hopefully I'll be able to give you better answers after the appointment.

Your encouragement is really very helpful. I'm so glad I found this board...and I'm so sorry you had to go through all of this, but you've really turned it into such a positive by helping others the way you do. Thank you so much!

Muttsmom · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 2:41 pm Post subject: Re: Update on my mom

What kind of biopsy did the surgeon do that he already knows that it's invasive? Did he mention, Ductal, Lobular, Inflammatory or any kind?

Your mom really does need someone to go with her to every visit. There's so much info and our minds can only absorb so much before it literally shuts down. Had it not been for someone going with me each time, I would have missed 1/2 of what was being said.

I'll be looking for your post after you see the surgeon.

You and your mom are in my prayers
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

AngieDoogles · Regular Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 13 Location: TN

I didn't know there were different types of biopsies. I wish I knew more about what exactly is going on, but I don't want to push my mom into answering a lot of questions and end up making her sad. She tries so hard to "protect" her children, that I'm afraid she's only telling me what she feels is necessary for me to know, the bare minimum. I'm going to be pretty insistent that she let me go with her tomorrow, and I will do my best to go to every appointment that I can, but I really don't know if she'll let me. She's so independent and so concerned with making sure EVERYONE ELSE is alright, that she will put her own needs aside. She always does... Sad

I just feel so helpless...I wish she would let me be there for her, but at the same time, I don't want to be pushy or obnoxious. Where do you draw the line? *sigh*

Muttsmom · Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 3:04 pm Post subject: Re: Update on my mom

Hi Angie,

They could have done a needle biopsy, a biopsy where they remove part or all of the affected area, there are core biopsies (wasn't around when I was dx or it wasn't an option for me). They could have done something called a skin punch (I think that's what it's called) since the area was on the surface, unless there was also a lump underneath. I'm sure I've confused you because I just confused me... sorry

I'd tell her that it was suggested that you go with her because there's a lot to take in and it's all foreign to everyone. That you would feel like you were helping her if she'd let you go. Maybe if she understands that it would be helping you, she'll let you go with her. I tried to "protect" my parents from what their daughter was going through, but it didn't work..... it made it harder on them not knowing and being more of a part of it.

Do you know if you are listed on the Privacy Act paper she filled out, giving the doctor permission to discuss things with you?
_________________
Nancy
2/14/02 ILC 43 - 5.5 cm 9+/16 nodes
Stage IIIA er/pr+ Her2-
2/02 MRM
FECx6 radsx33
Tamoxifen - Arimidex (chemo induced menopause)
4/03 SM w/bilat. recon.
9/03 expanders removed
5/04 repair reconst. disaster
10/04 Actonel for bone/joint pain from Arimidex
NED - 5 years
3/07 Diabetes
In memory of Kim 12/1/04

AngieDoogles · Regular Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 13 Location: TN

I just wanted to update that my mom is now cancer free! Thank you so much for your help and encouragement.

mymaria · Experienced user Joined: 28 Feb 2008 Posts: 63

Great news!
_________________
Dallas, TX

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