She is now 75 and has FTD with aphasia. It is not that I don't want to keep her healthy but I am concerned with what to do should it come back positive. I don't think she would comply with the treatment and if she did it might be too rough for her. I would like to hear your opinions on this. I have full guardianship and can make whatever decision is necessary.
I would not get screening mammograms if I had FTD.
My own Mom was like that because her sister had passed from breast cancer over 45 years old, so my Mom was scared it would happen to her. So Mom kept having mammograms up into her late 90's. I know, totally ridiculous to go through all of that.
It was my Mom who insisted, even though her GYN said she no longer needed them. It wasn't easy, as it took two techs to handle my very frail, hard of hearing, fall risk Mom.
I had breast cancer but it was caught early, had major surgery, no chemo or radiation, but the daily pill I had to take for 5 years caused major, and I mean major side effects. I really believe with someone who had dementia, the surgery alone would put that person into the next phase of dementia, and those pills would make life miserable.
Mammograms HURT.
How in the world would she handle any type of treatment if anything was found?
I believe there is a point at which various medical tests and procedures should taper off.
I rolled mom in. I told the tech that I don't think it's possible to do a mammo on mom. She said that it's been done with other patients. Well, we tried and tried to get mom's breast in between those 2 plates. But she was not having it. She kept wiggling. In the end, the technician gave up.
Reading the above comments, I like what that wise geriatrician said. It makes sense. If you're not planning to go through the treatments, then it's best to not do the mammo.
Her PCP had suggested she go for a mammogram every other year, so this issue didn't come up last year. What's the point of an every-other-year mammogram? What would happen if cancer was detected? I know my mother wouldn't tolerate chemo or radiation. I don't know about surgery. I do know that I'm not going to be the nursemaid for afterwards...
Even getting the mammogram is going to require an assistant to help my mother with everything (go here, get changed, put your things in a locker, take the key, sit there, and then when it's all finished unlock your locker and go to a room to change, put your hospital smock there and exit over here). She won't hear/process/remember. I will not be her assistant for all of this. If the medical monopoly (of which the doctor is a part as well as the mammogram center) prescribes a mammogram, then that medical monopoly can provide someone to be her assistant through the process. I will plan to drop her at the door (well, see that she gets inside the mammogram center) and then go do something else so I will avoid being corralled into being her personal assistant for a procedure I do NOT feel is necessary.
It was my choice for two reasons.
One - it always hurt.
Two - I have no intention of being poked or prodded. I will have nothing intrusive or invasive.
All I want is to be comfortable (as best they can) and still keep some dignity.
Hugs
This was in response to a few atypical cells being found in fluid drained from around mom's lungs. The oncologist at the hospital she was in scheduled a bone marrow biopsy. Mom was 89, had CHF and Mild Cognitive Impairment. She was not going to agree to chemo or radiation or anything other than comfort. We didn't do the biopsy.
OldSailor, we know how much you love your wife. You are not being neglectful. You are being sensible and loving.