As if my Mother has not got enough to contend with, a lump was found in her breast today. The doctor was called, examined Mum and said the lump was about 1cm and she "does not like the feel of it".
Mum is 85 & has vascular dementia. She has been in a care home for 10 months. She hates seeing doctors and has not been in a hospital since I was born 58 years ago. Her memory span is about 1 minute.
Th doctor said that obviously cancer cannot be ruled in or out without further investigation. This would mean hospital appointments for a mammogram, possible biopsy, examinations etc. If it is then found to be cancer a lumpectomy and chemo or radiation treatment would follow. The doctor would not disagree if I thought it best to leave it be for the moment. She would monitor the lump. Mum told the doctor that she did not want to go to hospital.
I am inclined to leave it for the moment rather than put Mum through more trauma.
Has anyone had to make a similar decision? I have no family to talk it over with.
Also, should I discuss this with Mum?
Mum is 85 & has vascular dementia. She has been in a care home for 10 months. She hates seeing doctors and has not been in a hospital since I was born 58 years ago. Her memory span is about 1 minute.
Th doctor said that obviously cancer cannot be ruled in or out without further investigation. This would mean hospital appointments for a mammogram, possible biopsy, examinations etc. If it is then found to be cancer a lumpectomy and chemo or radiation treatment would follow. The doctor would not disagree if I thought it best to leave it be for the moment. She would monitor the lump. Mum told the doctor that she did not want to go to hospital.
I am inclined to leave it for the moment rather than put Mum through more trauma.
Has anyone had to make a similar decision? I have no family to talk it over with.
Also, should I discuss this with Mum?