Question about chemo

My MIL had a breast lump removed about a month or so ago. Drs removed it all, lymph nodes not affected. In the past few weeks, she's told us (first) that she has to do radiation, now she tells us she'll be doing chemo.
If supposedly they removed everything, why would they need to have her go through chemotherapy??

I watched my dad go through radiation & saw what a toll it took on him, & it didn't help.. my MIL is 66yo & I'm scared!

Would they give chemo just 'to make sure' ??

Not real well-versed on chemo and radiation for breast cancer, but talked to several ladies with it when I was having my radiation, and my SIL had breast cancer.

First, with a lumpectomy, it's not unusual to recommend preventive chemo, much like a lot of us with Stage 1 or II Ovarian. They want to make sure no bad cancer cells escaped that they can't see.

Radiation also not unusual. Please don't compare the radiation your dad went through with the radiation your MIL will go through. The area they radiate for the breast, in most cases, affects the skin (she'll get what looks like a sunburn) and she may trouble swallowing towards the end of it temporarily (they provide a lidocaine mouthwash). She will be very tired as with most radiations. She should not experience nausea, stomach problems, bowel problems, etc. that people being radiated in the abdominal or stomach area experience.

Dani:
I would have to agree with WTW... It is a prescribed as a "preventative" measure... I would say that is a choice she has to make... no one can make that call for her...

Sorry, but I have to comment on this.
First, yes, it is entirely normal to have chemo, and possibly radiation after a lumpectomy. My step daughter had both after her surgery, and she was only 37.

Second, you state that your MIL is 66 - are you saying that you think that is too 'old' to get chemo? I have been thru both chemo and radiation at at 64, and neither one had much of an effect on me, other than getting rid of the cancer. In no way was I disabled or too ill to do anything from either treatment. Many women in the 70's and into their 80's can handle chemo.

Dani: I kind of got the same impression that bj did -- that you think your MIL's age may be putting her at a higher risk? We may be wrong, but if we aren't, realize that 66 is not that old to have radiation and chemo and remain strong. A lot of it has to do with her general health, and the type of radiation and chemo she's getting.

I know it's difficult not to compare when you or other relatives have been through it and had an awful time, or it didn't work. But try not to compare. Your father's radiation, the extent or path of his cancer, his general health is probably completely different than what your MIL is facing.

Also, was it recently that your father had treatment, or has it been a few years? They have made many strides in treatment, and in the drugs used to combat the side effects in a short amount of time.

For instance, my aunt had chemo for ovarian cancer 15 years prior to my chemo. It didn't work. And, during chemo, she was hospitalized, and violently ill for many days after chemo. That was my cousin's last experience with chemo, although I had had family members go through it since (thankfully for my benefit) and I knew chemo had changed a lot since my aunt's experience. My cousin offered to take me to chemo, and I carefully explained to her that it was oupatient, and it was much different now, because I knew she was scared to relive it. She was very glad she took me and saw what sickness I had to face -- because there was that fear in her.


You can help by being supportive of your MIL's decision and helping her out when she needs it. I chose preventive chemo. My one brother, who stopped preventive chemo on his second bout with cancer because he didn't think it would increase his chances (he was right; he is now 9 years without a recurrence) kept telling me he didn't understand why I was having preventive chemo.


His was for colon, mine was for ovarian. I just felt, this being my first -- and hopefully only time -- for chemo, that I had to take it. I didn't want to think, if it came back, "If only I had had the chemo..." For me, it was the right decision. He, unfortunately, did not help my overall well-being on this by questioning my judgement.

So, your attitude will play an important part in her treatment.

Thanks to everyone for the replies.. I truly didn't mean to offend anyone with the age thing.. I swear! In no way whatsoever do I think a person in their 60's is too old for ANYthing!
I'm only concerned because my MIL has smoked for 50+yrs (has quit a few months before all this) & I know her general health is not the best. I was just wondering about it as my knowledge of it is very limited, that's all. When we talked w/ MIL it didn't seem like there was a clear picture from her Dr. at the time, as to what would be the next step. Now it seems that chemo would be the better approach. It is hard not to compare, seeing what my dad went through (kidney cancer & that was almost 6yrs ago.. but entirely different story & not a good outcome) But I will be there for anything my MIL needs of course.

Dani
Maybe you could offer to go with her on her next doctors appointment? (if that is something that she would agree to). Or maybe she'd want one of her kids to go? It helps often to have another set of ears, and another person asking questions. I take my husband with me, when I know there will be important discussions. That way, you would have a better idea about what the doctor thinks, without it first being 'filtered'.
You sound like a wonderful daughter in law!

I think I was more concerned about you drawing too many comparisons between your father, and what your MIL would have to go through.

The cancer your dad had pretty much warranted that he would get radiated in an area that would affect the intestines, bowel, stomach and rectum. Your MIL's cancer, since she had a lumpectomy and it was contained, will involve a smaller area, and there will be less "spillage" of radiation to other areas.

As I mentioned, most women with breast cancer, have problems swallowing because some of the radiation spills to the esophogeas, and may have minor issues in other areas.

And your dad's treatment was over 6 years ago...things are better now with anti-nausea drugs (if needed) for chemo and radiation, poured body molds so the patient is radiated in the same place each day and doesn't move inadvertently, which may cause more spillage, and things like steroids and allergy medication added to the chemo treatment for help with appetite and allergic reactions.

We know you'll support her in anything she chooses. I like the idea of someone being with her at her doctor's appointment, and even if she has a spouse, sometimes the spouse is the best person, sometimes not. Does she have a best friend or daughter (she may not want a son to go with her)? Can you go with her? The extra set of ears does help.

My sister was not in the best health when she was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago and still smokes to this day. She is the only person I know whose dentist ordered her to cut back on her Coke consumption because of what it was doing to her teeth. In her 40's she was diagnosed to fatty liver due to her poor diet. Her idea of exercise is to walk down the street. I love her dearly but some of her lifestyle choices make me nuts.

My sister had a lumpectomy for a tumor that was so small it could only be detected by a mammogram. Her tumor was the size of a pencil eraser and her lymph nodes were clear, too. She chose chemo and radiation because her breast cancer was considered aggressive.

Keeping in mind this was 7 years ago and all of my sister's health issues - she came through chemo and radiation with flying colors. She took her treatments on a Friday afternoon, slept and rested all weekend and went back to work on Mondays. She lost her hair but it came back fine. She has had no side effects and remains cancer free.

I am wishing your MIL all the best. She already has you to look after her, and that's a big plus going for her!