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Posted 2/21/2005 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,

Thank you for all of you out there ! You are an inspiration!

I have a question, my mom had breast cancer in March 2001. Her dr told her that it was a very agressive type. She had the red liquid chemo, and radiation therapy.

She was at the dr recently for a check up and they felt a lump in her abdomen, she does not have ovaries or uterus. It was discovered at the level where her ovaries would normally be.

They also found calcium in the breast where she had breast cancer. They told her that usaually where they find calcium, cancer is present?? My mom is 64

What do think ??

Posted 2/22/2005 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
The calcium is probably better known as microcalcifications and yes cancer is possibily present, especially since she has already been diagnosed. The arrangement of clusters is usually the clue. When your mother had chemo and radiation what type of surgery did she have? If she had a biopsy are the calcifications in that same breast? The lump in the abdomen could be most anything. Her oncologist should be watching her closely if they deemed she had aggressive cancer. She should have had CT scans, possibly MRIs, and other tests to keep an eye on her entire body. Where are you? Are you near a good cancer center? I think maybe a second opinion from a specialist might be in order. You can see the Roll Call above and it will tell you a little about us, where we are, our ages and other pertinent info, even some pictures. Let us know how she is doing and what is happening. We can and will help in any way we can. Hugs Mary K.
Posted 2/22/2005 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your reply Mary K, the calsium was found in the same breast she had cancer in in 2001. She has a partial lumpectomy done at the time.Today she went for a different kind of mammogram to magnify it, with some sort of cube... not sure what she means, She also went for other test scan I think she had to drink something and alos had an injection.. My mom is in Montreal I am in Ontario, I wish I was closer ..
Posted 2/22/2005 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Viola, I just wanted to say welcome. Sorry about your mom. In 2000 my mammogram picked up a cluster of microcalcifications under my lumpectomy incision from 1996. The surgeon I saw said it probably meant a recurrance of the breast cancer, but he needed a biopsy to be sure. Two biopsies later, there was still no new cancer. So, what they may be seeing is a cluster of calcifications, or maybe just single specks on the mammogram. One is suspicious the other is not. I hope you get some good answers to what is going on. MK has good suggestions. I know it is difficult not to be closer so you can go to the doctor with your mom. I hope someone is accompaning her on these visits. It is so helpful to have two sets of ears hearing what the doctos has to say. Best wishes, Lauri
Posted 2/22/2005 3:42 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Viola!

I agree with what the other ladies have said. There is just one thing that I am questioning. When she sees her oncologist for checkups, does he/she do bloodwork that includes tumor tag tests? One of the tests that my oncologist does at each visit is a CEA. When my counts jumped  from 12 to 29, that was the first indication that my cancer was back. There are several other tumor tag tests that can give the same indications.

I also hope that someone is going with her to her appointments. Not only is it good to have an extra set of ears but the moral support is much needed. Even though you can't physically be there with your mom, continue to let her know how much you love her and support her.

Deb

Posted 2/22/2005 1:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Viola: You can support your Mother in many ways. Not being close is hard on you I know, but your Mom feels your presence always. The above members have certainly explained things well. Keep us informed and yourself too. Knowledge is power and that is a good support too. Hugs, Candy
Posted 2/22/2005 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
It is rough when you are not close by your mother and can go with her to the doctors. I have no idea of the distance involved but my mother lives about 1500 miles from me. She is nearly 92 and I wish I could go with her to her doctor appointments. You received lots of encouragement here from Lauri noting that she has been found to have calcifications near her original biopsy and they were not cancerous. I had a mastectomy at first sign of cancer because I did not want to give it a chance. I have had no other treatment and so far I have shown no other signs of cancer. It has been eight years. Hugs, MK short versions for Mary K, many people call me MK, too.
Posted 2/23/2005 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there, you have got lots of great advice. Just be there for her and listen to her. I will keep you both in my prayers.

L&H
Sara
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