Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear about your mum. I can understand that you want to do everything you can to help her.

It is very difficult for us to comment on why she did not have a mastectomy but it may have been because the surgeon did not want to perform a larger operation because of her age and her irregular heart beat.

The oncologist will probably have been at the meeting with the surgeon when her treatment was discussed so it may be helpful to ask them when your mum has her appointment.

The oncologist will also be reviewing your mum's general health, how her kidneys and liver work and of course her heart before they decide whether she is a suitable person for chemotherapy. There are different chemotherapy regimes that they can give her but the doctors have got to be mindful of any side effects that may effect your mum.

We have some general information on our website about how decisions are made which you can see here

It can help to have a read about the different options before her appointment.

Keep an open mind, each patient is treated very individually and what works for one person may not be suitable for another one.

I hope that you are managing to get support for yourself as it can be hard looking after someone close to you.

If you or your mum would like to talk through any of this with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a ring.

Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

All the best,

Catherine