Hey guys...

seeknpeace

Well, I have been so busy starting two jobs in a year, that I have not been able to post. Just to read. However, I wanted to tell you guys something.

My mom had a lumpectomy last week for breast cancer. She had papillary bc and it was encased in a cyst. There was no spread or lymph node involvement, but, she now is facing 30 radiation treatments over 6 weeks... 5 days a week. And, she is not in the greatest health, bad heart, and she is 71.

I am still not up to par after my bc last year, and having to close my business and find work. Please keep her in your prayers and thoughts. She is really tired.

God bless you all. I miss you...Jan

lindatn

HI Jan, Glad to see you post again but sorry your Mom is going through this trip. I wonder if the Drs are recommending lumpectomy to often. Would it not of been easier for your Mom with her health issues to have had a mastectomy and with her cancer most likely radiation would not of been necessary. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and nothing but sore breast, fluid, and misery with it. Is the radiation really necessary for her, how many opinions have you had? Can she take tamoxifen? Sending prayers your way for whatever choice she makes. Linda

Ellison

Hi Jan,

I will pray for your mother and you. Both mother and daughter going thru cancer so close together.

Wow you have you plate full. It takes time to get your strength back. Two jobs sounds like a lot for you. I guess a girl has to do what girl has to do. Try not to get to tired sounds like you need your strength also.

Let us know how things go with your mom. I know you are worried. I had 33 rad treatments. She will probably do just fine if she can rest. Make sure she takes care of the skin area after each treatment. I used aloe after every treatment. I put it on and then got dressed. Also, used a cream before I went to bed. This kept the skin from getting red. I had no problems what so ever.

Good luck to you and our mother.
elli

inkblot

Hi Jan:

I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's bc. However, papillary bc is less aggressive/worrisome than some other types. Lumpectomy is the gold standard surgery for it in most cases.

As far as the radiation: If your Mom's right breast is effected, then traditional rads naturally wouldn't be as much of a threat to her heart, although the lung would likely still receive some irradiation. Another option to consider is Mammosite radiation. This is very similar to brachytherapy. She should talk at length with her doctors about her options before deciding what's best for herself. The Mammosite, I believe, is done in just a few days with less, to no radiation to surrounding organs and at her age and considering her state of health, it may be something worth considering. Whatever she ultimately decides, go to the best facility that's within a reasonable commuting distance, as they have far better methods of mapping for rads in many of the larger facilities now and this greatly reduces and/or spares exposure to surrounding organs, for the traditional external beam radiation. Well worth a bit of extra distance, for the benefits.

Good wishes to your Mom and I know you'll give her all the love and support you're able to manage. Which is all any of us can do for our loved ones.

Take good care of you and please keep us posted.

Love, light and laughter,
Ink

seeknpeace

inkblot said:

Hi Jan:

I'm so sorry to hear of your Mom's bc. However, papillary bc is less aggressive/worrisome than some other types. Lumpectomy is the gold standard surgery for it in most cases.

As far as the radiation: If your Mom's right breast is effected, then traditional rads naturally wouldn't be as much of a threat to her heart, although the lung would likely still receive some irradiation. Another option to consider is Mammosite radiation. This is very similar to brachytherapy. She should talk at length with her doctors about her options before deciding what's best for herself. The Mammosite, I believe, is done in just a few days with less, to no radiation to surrounding organs and at her age and considering her state of health, it may be something worth considering. Whatever she ultimately decides, go to the best facility that's within a reasonable commuting distance, as they have far better methods of mapping for rads in many of the larger facilities now and this greatly reduces and/or spares exposure to surrounding organs, for the traditional external beam radiation. Well worth a bit of extra distance, for the benefits.

Good wishes to your Mom and I know you'll give her all the love and support you're able to manage. Which is all any of us can do for our loved ones.

Take good care of you and please keep us posted.

Love, light and laughter,
Ink

Hey girls....so good to see you post back. I know that it is the least aggressive, which makes me wonder about the 6 weeks, 5 days a week, treatment. She is 71, had a triple by-pass 7 years ago (they say that they last about that). So, I am concerned. The doc did mention something like what you described. The thing is that he did not put the catheter in when he did the lumpectomy, so I don't think it is an option now. And, since the sentinel node was clean as were the margins, I have a concern that the cyst was ruptured, which makes this one of the most worrisome for spread if that happens. Any ideas? She is seeing my surgeon and I want her to see my oncologist. I just am not sure what is up with her. Jan