My mom has had a few mammograms and a couple of biopsys done for calcium deposits. Well this last one, when they did the biopsy they had to use ultrasound to do it because the deposits were too far back. We got the results yesterday and what they took out was cancerous. She had this done a year ago and they say all was fine. They said they have to take more tissue and do a test to see if it is in the lymph nodes. She will have two options, either radiation and 2 pills a day, (not sure what they are for) or to have the breast removed. What do you all think she should do? And with the first option with the pills, does this make you sick? She has bulging discs and osteoporosis and she is afraid of getting sick because she is already in so much pain with her back and she's afraid of making it worse. Any comments, suggestions, or if anyone has gone through any of this, any information, hopefully good information , is greatly appreciated.
Terra

If you cant get more info from the doctors you can try on the web and the American Cancer Society. There are threads on treatment options and side effects etc and goes into a lot of detail.

Terra,

So sorry to hear about your mom. - It is overwhelming at 1st, but once your mom has a treatment plan, things will get a little easier.

Alot will depend on the pathology report. The final path report should tell you size, type (invasive ductal, ect), whether there were estrogen/progesterone recepters, grade 1,2 or 3, stage. Also if tumor has any other features like positive for her2. They will also look at whether she is pre or post menopausal. The breast surgeon usually discusses the report with the pt and family, initially. - Overwhelming and alot to take in. (Be sure to get a copy of the path report.).

I am one year out, from stage 1 breast cancer. I have a family history and therefore chose and was recommended to get a double mastectomy. - Although this may seem drastic, for me it was the right choice. - I felt "safer" just having the breasts gone and am very glad I did it.

As far as lumpectomy and radiation vs mastectomy, I understand they both have the same long term survivial. You will definetly want to discuss pros/cons with the surgeon and maybe even get a 2nd opinion.
Your mom will make the decision that is right for her.

Best of luck to your mom. Let us know how she is doing.
Leea