Breast Cancer At 86

[johnk]

My Mum (86) has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It's non malignant and isn't in the lymph nodes. She says she won't have an op or any treatment for it! What does the future hold if there is no treatment?

[Robinia]

There's not always a need for surgery or aggressive chemo at that age. My friend's mum is older than that and her breast cancer has been contained with simple drug therapy, in fact the lump has shrunk (one tablet a day I think).

[Sqad]

If it is non malignant then it is not cancer.

I assume that you mean that it is confined to the breast and not spread to lymph nodes .

The diagnosis being made by. Ederle biopsy.

The answer to your question depends upon the type of cancer, but as a general answer, I would say that she may well die of something else other than he cancer.

That is all that anybody can say with the information provided.

[anneasquith]

if its non malignant, it not cancer, is it a benign growth ?

[Sqad]

Ederle...should be needle.

[Sqad]

I also agree with the post of robinia

[johnk]

A little sample was removed,

[johnk]

She goes to the hospital on Wednesday to talk about it, my sister will be there so hopefully I'll get a bit more detail then. Sounds like I shouldn't be too worried
Thanks everyone, I'll post more news when I get it

[237SJ]

I`m wondering if it is DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). There is a school of thought that says it can (in some cases) be left as it is. Lobular cancer is much more likely to spread that that in the ducts.

[NoMercy]

Back in 2011 I met a 109-year-old woman with a 50-year history of breast cancer.

Not all cancers require gruelling chemo and / or radio.

[johnk]

She's having a masectomy next week, I suppose recovery will be a long time.

[Mamyalynne]

So she changed her mind re having an op? Yes it will be be a hard road but if she is otherwise strong and with support she will hopefully do well.

[Sqad]

Do you mean..lumpectomy (removal of the lump) OR removal of the breast (mastectomy)?

Whichever.......old folks do well. You will be surprised how well and quickly she will recover.

[johnk]

It's removal of the breast.
The medics must have persuaded her