A close relative of mine has been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. She will definitely need surgery but the Dr. has given her 2 choices: 1) Surgery to remove only cancerous tissue followed by radiation treatment. Dr said there is roughly 2% chance that her lungs and heart may be negatively impacted by the radiation. 2) Full masectomy with chemotherapy. No radiation The lymphnodes will be checked for cancer during the surgery. The procedures will be performed at Sloan-kettering Cancer center. Any advice on which option she should go with or any advice in general will be much appreciated. Thank you all in advance.
What do you mean by "invasive"? Any CT evidence of lymph node involvement? Did the doc give a "Clinical Stage"? In short, "Staging" is tremendously important in deciding what option is best. Sorry ot hear your troubles.
All the very best to your relative. My aunty had a malignant tumour removed from her breast, and some lymph nodes removed from her armpit, two weeks ago. She was given the all clear (in that the surgeon believes he removed everything malignant), but she will still have to undergo chemotherapy. Again, all the best to your relative, and your family.
'Invasive breast cancer' means something more serious (to me) than something that removing tissue-only will 'cure'. Is it just in the breast, or chest wall, or ? What stage is it in ? Has it metastacized ? Checking the lymph nodes is normal, if they don't do it then they shouldn't be in the profession. You just need to be REALLY careful, especially with cancer anywhere near the lung area, if it gets in there and doesn't get discovered almost immediately, the prognosis isn't good. Hell, cancer anywhere isn't good, but it spreads a lot faster from the lungs to elsewhere. More info needed.
Sorry to hear about this, but know that there is hope. You're about to find out what an incredible community there is in support of those diagnosed with BC. My mom just recently celebrated her first anniversary of finishing treatment, and was given a clean bill. She was fortunate in that she didn't require a radical mastectomy or chemo. The radiation treatments and partial removal were enough. You will find a lot of support and good intentions here, but I would definitely recommend that you also check out some of the Breast Cancer-specific sites. There's an incredible amount of information readily available, and it really helps to be informed if you want to be as supportive as you can. All the best wishes to you, and please feel free to keep a dialogue open here.
