Great Grandmother Diagnosed?

Question

My great-grandmother is 81, she was just diagnosed with breast cancer. What are the living chances, she underwent some sort of surgery yesterday/today, I don't know what is going on completely because my mom is trying to shelter me from it because I am fourteen. What is the best thing that we can do for her besides be there. Any facts will be appreciated.
Thanks.

<3 Good Luck Grammy Sheila <3

It was caught pretty early thats why I have ALOT of faith in her, plus shes a fighter...

Also cancer being heriditary, what are the chances my grandmother or mother will get it?

To the second answerer I am a male. therefore dont need to be checked and my mom has just been to the doctor for a mammogram

Answer 1

Not all breast cancer is hereditary, actually most is not. Further the hereditary kind usually has a earlier appearance than 81.

For sure your mom and grandmother should be having annual mammograms, but they are probably doing that. If you are really worried there is genetic testing that can be done.

You should tell your mom not to try to shield you, because you are likely imagining worse things than those that are actually happening.

So here are some facts:

Your great grandmother probably had either a lumpectomy (removal of part of her breast) or a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Neither is quite so horrible as it sounds, recovery is fairly quick for most people. She may well have had some surgery on her arm pit too to remove lymph nodes. She might have what are called surgical drains in and they are a bother. The body constantly produces fluid which bathes the cells. After surgery, especially on lymph node areas, this fluid will accumulate without drains. The drain is a tube from the body to a little plastic recepticle that needs to be emptied periodically. It's kind of gross but it only lasts a couple weeks.

Your GG might have chemo therapy. She is not going to feel well and her appetite may be off. Most kinds of chemo make the patient's hair fall out. She might have radiation. That is easier for most, her skin will get sensitive in the radiated area and she will be tired.

You can do some little chores for her, sweep or vacuum. If she does chemo, be careful about visiting with a cold or anything because her immune system will be lower. Cards are always nice, because she can enjoy them time after time. Ones you made yourself would be especially welcome.

Your GG may live a good long time yet and dance at your wedding.

Answer 2

You knowing helps you. You should be checked earlier than normal women as well as your mom should be right away. If it is caught early survival is extremly high.

Answer 3

Provided they caught it early, her chances are good.
Everything grows slower as we age.
Best wishes.