Can anyone point me to good info on breast cancer in the fragile elderly?

[hedgehog]

My mother is one of the fragile elderly. She has diabetes and doesn't get around well anymore. She's also had problems with swollen ankles for several years, so there are some heart issues as well. She has breast cancer, but I don't know the type of tumor or anything else. She mentioned that the doctor who had done her lumpectomies was this time recommending a mastectomy, and soon. This is the first time I've heard about any lumpectomies. I can only assume that this cancer is associated with the previous cancers. She's been swearing for 50 years never to have a mastectomy since she saw the process in nurse's training, so her mind is pretty much made up. My Dad wants to go with the doctors advice. Anyone know where we can find out more info?

[mwdem]

1. I'd go with her to the doctor, and find out what's going on.

Other than that, a great website is www.breastcancer.org.

I did have a mastectomy 3 1/2 years ago, followed by chemo, and no problems since. I imagine that mastectomies now are a bit different than they were 50 years ago, but given her age, there's not much hope she'll change her mind. You should get educated about the type of tumor, size, etc. There's more than one kind of breast cancer, you know. Good luck.

[hedgehog]

2. Wonderful - I needed a web site that got a little more into the nitty gritty!

Thank you!

[mwdem]

3. I truly hopes this helps you out.

Just be there for her.:hug:

[elleng]

4. Do be diligent.

My mother had lumpectomy, nothing but meds thereafter, and ended up with spinal mass whose consequences resulted in her death last year.

Best of luck to you all.

[seemunkee]

5. Cancer.gov

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast