Treatment options for breast cancer

Hi - hormone therapy normally comes after Operation, Chemo & Radiotherapy if Her2 negative.  If Her 2 positive it's normally chemo then operation then radiotherapy.  They will have to remove the tumor rhen make sure it doesnt come back. Hope this helps. X

Thank you for your reply.

She has been put on hormone therapy immediately to control the situation. 

Shes been offered operation then radiotherapy (maybe chemo if needed) and will stsybon hormone therapy for 5 yrs. 

She is trying to find out what the options are if she doesn't have the operation. 

It is so confusing as everything I read says different things...

Hi, you, or your mum, might want to give the lovely folks here at Macmillan a call to chat things through as I am sure they'd be able to clarify things for you, it is very confusing reading online.  You can call them on 0800 808 0000. Best wishes 

1. Hello, Thank you for your reply, the pathway she's been offered is different to both of these options as the hormone therapy has been given first, we were told this is to keep things under control.  Thank you x

Hi  , sorry you find yourself here, hopefully lots of support though for you and your mum. I’d second the suggestion by Irishgirl16 to give the team here a ring to discuss it and hopefully feel clearer about the situation. Each case is different, I’ve certainly learned that during my 6 years on this site! And definitely try not to Google, so much there is out of date or just wrong, and most probably wouldn’t apply to your mum anyway. Just thought I’d add that several people posting here have, like your mum, been put on hormone therapy at diagnosis. I think it’s actually quite common. And a dear friend who got breast cancer in her late nineties, was only given hormone therapy, no surgery or chemo. But again, each individual case is different. 
There’s also a section here for families which might be useful for you. It’s great you’re there for your mum. Sending love and a big virtual hug, HFxx

Dear  - I am sorry you have to come here and so sorry for your dear mum.

The hormone therapy is like others have said given 'after' all treatments - in tablet form, taken daily for the next 5 to 10 years.  

Most times when given 'before' any other treatment is done so to 'keep things stable' - to actually even 'shrink' the BC (when this is done some will have a (stainless steel) clip put in at the site - in case the BC shrinks a lot).

I am not sure if your mum would be suitable to have TARGIT IORT treatment - this is the BC removed via a lumpecomy then the radiotherapy given at the same time as the operation (in one go).  Radiotherapy is given 'internally' at the site of the operation. .... followed by hormone therapy.

The only problems with this treatment are:-
It can depend on how many tumours there are (I believe should only be one)
More than anything it is find a Doctor that actually refers patients for this treatment!! 

I was put on hormone therapy whilst finding suitable surgeon - I then had the 'TARGIT IORT' (lumpectomy and radiotherapy) and then back on the hormone therapy.  My BC was 20mm (I am large busted, I was left with a large intent at the time, however, over the years my body has absorbed this and 'filled in' the space - my wonderful surgeon did say this would happen.

TARGIT IORT (Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy).
TARGIT IORT is a 'single' dose/treatment consisting of operation followed immediately with radiotherapy - given 'inside' the operation site area.

I can not fault this treatment and I would recommend to everyone and anyone that fits the criteria to be able to have this.  Sadly, for me I was not able to get this on the NHS - so used my rainy day savings for my rainy day.

I hope this helps - I will just add I am not sure if the different 'types' BC would play a part in why the Doctors want to do the mastectomy.

Also, let your mum know this is the worst part, it is the waiting for what treatment is going to be done - once this is sorted your mum will just want to get on and get it out the way.  

This is the treatment I had, have a look 'just so you know' and can work out if suitable or not, at least you will know about it .....

https://www.targit.org.uk/intrabeam-targit-iort-information

Hello,  I am sorry your Mom is going through all this as it is not easy making all the decisions.  She is so lucky to have you as her advocate.  
I was 71 almost 72 when diagnosed but had DCIS in right breast and IDC in left (3mm IDC and 6mm DCIS).  I had bilateral lumpectomies and whole breast radiation to both breasts and now in Anastrazole for 5 years (about 2 1/2 years to go).  
With breast cancer surgery is done to remove the tumor and get clear margins but your Mom’s tumor is large so that is why mastectomy is recommended.  Could not get a good cosmetic result with lumpectomy as too much tissue would need to be removed.  
I am afraid surgery can not be avoided to get a good chance of survival.  I guess if your Mom was not healthy and had other health problems then the decision could be to not have the surgery.

I hope this helps and I agree that a second opinion is a wonderful idea as it may help you both to make the right decision.

1. Those other measures that your family member mentioned are most likely not appropriate for your Mom’s type of cancer.  
   Take care

Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it

Thank you so much for your message, and for sharing all of this information, I'm glad to hear that you've yound a way that has worked well for you.  I don't think this will work for my mum but I will certainly go and check it out.  Thank you again

Hello and thank you so much for all of your words, it really helps to hear other people's journeys. I agree with all you're saying and do think surgery will produce the best outcome, but I guess my mum has to get to a place where she can decide for herself and I'll support whatever she decides. I wish you all the best and thanks again