Checking for Breast Cancer Now.

Teresa had an appointment this morning with the surgeon, who was the doc who operated on my grandmother for cancer in 1969. Dr. Walker believes Teresa has pelvic fibroid tumors-- which will be taken care of later. The more pressing issue is the lump (s) found on her breast. He thinks it could be cancer. He is putting her in the hospital tomorrow morning for a biopsy, but he said if it looks cancerous, then he will surgically remove it (it= the breast or just the tumor?) She said that the surgeon doesn't think she will need to have a complete mastectomy.
Treatment: Assessing the Options (PDR Health) Click the heading to read more at PDR Health.
Prompt treatment is essential. Without surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, a woman who has breast cancer will almost surely die. Fortunately, the chances for long-term survival—and cure—are excellent if the cancer is caught early enough.
Once the physician has determined the type of breast cancer, the size and location of the primary tumor, and the extent of the disease, it's time to discuss the various treatment options. The doctor will recommend the course of treatment that he or she believes will provide the best results with the fewest disabling side effects.
The goal of the therapy is to prevent the spread of cancer if the disease is confined to the breast and to minimize the possibility of a recurrence of cancer in the future. For women whose cancer has already spread, the physician will develop a treatment plan that eases any pain or other symptoms. This is called palliative therapy.
Partial or total mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast) offer a good chance of a cure for Stage I and II breast cancers. Surgery may also be successful for some Stage III cancers if they have not invaded other parts of the body. Women with Stage IV breast cancer receive palliative treatment.