I just want to know what to expect!

cyn1237 · New User Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 1 Location: California

I am 20 years old. I know I am supposed to tell you all the stage of cancer my Nana has but I don’t know. See my Nana is 91 years old from Italy and hates doctors. She never went to doctors until my grandma forced her to go in May of 2005 when my Grandma found a lump on her right breast. The doctor said that it is breast cancer and because it had never been disturbed by a doctor, the doctor didn’t want to start disturbing it. It was also because my Nana is 91 years old and there isn't anything they could do. Well the lump began sinking in and spreading. In November of 2005 the doctor said the cancer spread to her lympnoids. Now it is January and my Grandma noticed that there is a sore on my Nana's breast. I know you can not tell me exactly how much longer my Nana has to live but I was wondering if you can tell me from this point of there being a small sore what will happen next and maybe an estimated time span that she has left due to how fast everything has progressed. I appreciate any insight at all I just want to know what to expect! Thanks so much for taking the time!!!
Sad

mssue · Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2006 5:48 pm Post subject: Hi!

I'm trying to get a clear picture of what You are describing.I am sorry You all are going through this.The only thing I can think of is that they aren't willing to do anything(the Doctors) because of her age and possibly her health at this time. Even if they gave her treatments or did surgery it would be extremely dangerous not to mention all of the pain and suffering she would endure. The quality of life right now is really something to look at-no one knows how long they will live,Doctors neither.Enjoy the time You have with her,help care for her-comforting her will also help You understand what she is going through.Ultimately You will be glad You did take the time to cherish Your Nana,we don't all get the opportunity to see and spend time with our loved one before they leave us.You are very fortunate as is Your Nana to have You-My thoughts and prayers are with You.
(((HUGS)))
_________________
Sue
Age-44
DX-8/29/2003
Stage 1 - ER/PR-,HER2-NU+
Infilterating Ductal Carcinoma
Modified Radical Mastectomy/Left-side
4 Rounds of A/C-completed 1/2004

brainman

I am so sorry you and your family are going through this at this stage of your Nana's (grandmother's?) life. It is not easy at any age. I cannot even imagine what it is like to try to face it at 91.

In the United States, no ethical doctor would base his/her recommendation on age. Actually, they can’t… they can be sued for basing a recommendation solely on age. Assuming that the doctor is ethical (most are), the doctor is looking at the type, grade, location, and reasonable expectation of your grandmother surviving the treatment and having an acceptable quality of life after treatment. That means her doctor has to know your grandmother: “How healthy is she? Does she have a strong will to live? Does she have good support? Is she a fighter?” All the above and many other questions go into the mix and a recommendation comes out. And those are the questions your grandmother needs to be asking herself as well. She can always get a second opinion from another doctor if she feels like the doctor she has is not listening to her.

My prayer and thoughts will be with you.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendroglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

mopnglo42 · New User Joined: 09 Feb 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Ohio

The sore on your Nana's breast is more than likely than not the breast cancer coming through the skin. You can expect it to get larger and larger. It's not usually painful, but distressing to look at. It usually has a cobbled like, scab appearance. When the cancer starts to come through the skin, it is in the very late stages and has probably spread to multiple sites elsewhere (lung, bone, brain). As far as how much time you Nana has, I can't tell you. Every person is different. I don't know if Italy has a hospice program or something similar. They would be a good resource. They provide support for both the person and their family. I so sorry. Prayers and hugs go out to you, your Nana, and your family.

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