She has two tumors:
invasive ductal carcinoma, 1.3 cm
ductal carcinoma in situ, 5.5 mm
One tumor is estrogen receptor positive (meaning that estrogen makes it grow)
The doctor recommended a mastectomy with reconstruction for two reasons:
- If you do a lumpectomy you need to also do radiation therapy. Radiation therapy has side effects such as liver problems that show up 10-20 years afterward. For an older woman, that isn't a problem, but for someone Faith's age, it could be.
- There is less chance of re-occurrence if the entire breast is removed, and for someone her age, re-occurrence is more of an issue.
They will be able to do breast reconstruction at the same time as the surgery. After surgery, she will have to do chemotherapy to prevent reoccurance.
No comments:
Post a Comment