Seeking Advice on Breast Cancer Treatment at 76

I had stage 1 IDC. Lumpectomy (2014) + targeted radiation + Arimidex. I took Arimidex 8 years with few side effects. Quit it when DEXA scan showed bone loss. My test came back 27. I opted for no chemo. I was 58 and have been cancer free 10 years. I have significant hearing loss (no relation to cancer) and was concerned how chemo would affect my already damaged ears. Do some research/ask surgeon, GP or second opinion. Good luck in making the right decision for YOU.

Thank you so much. That helped 💗

I was 72 at diagnosis last year. Stage 1A grade 3 no lymph or vascular involvement, clear margins. Onco test came back at 33 after lumpectomy. I had 4 rounds of chemo and 20 radiation. Now on Anastrozole. I was a pretty young 73 year old without any other health conditions except IBS. I had to have my chemo dose reduced after 1st treatment as it causes colitis. After that I did pretty well, tired, some nausea but I got through it. My personal choice was to throw the book at it now rather than regrets later. It's a very personal decision.

Jennifer - I am 69 and had lumpectomy with clear margins but 1 node +. My onocyte score was 28… my oncologist said chemo not necessary - hormone tx and so far I am cancer free …

It’s a personal decision, Jennifer. I’m 72 and I made it through 4 months of chemo, lumpectomy and 33 radiations. I’m on letrozole rt now day#635. Hardly any side effects. I do cardio 3x a week, do light weights 2x a week and walk the dogs every other night. You can do anything you set your mind to. The hardest part of chemo was losing my waist length hair and the stupid shots in my stomach to keep my cell counts up. I’m NED 1 yr this past Aug. God is Good bc I’ve seen some really bad stuff on my cancer thrive fb group.💕🙏😇

All the best to you 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 every decision should be personally made with your option’s clearly in front of you and self honesty in what you plan on doing …then DOING !!!!! Ones physical ability should be coupled to one’s mental ability

I'm 47 and my score was 25, borderline for my age. I'm opting for chemo, but obviously everyone is different and age is a factor.

I’m 76 and went through 3 months of chemo. I tolerated it well and then was on herseptin for a year. Although I only had cancer in one breast I had a double mastectomy due to family history. Did not have to have radiation

I am 77 and had a lumpectomy 4 months ago and then chemo. I developed a blood infection due to a port that was put in. I now carry a penicillin ball attached by a pick line. A few more weeks of this and then back to chemo.

Good morning 🌻 chemo is very tough on the body. If you can and it’s effective radiation and hormone treatment I will take it.👍

I will be 75 in January. I am newly diagnosed. Presently I am on anastrozole. I am getting a MRI on the 17th this month. I asked my surgeon if my age would hinder my recovery and he said no. He works on a lot of older women than me. I guess depending on the MRI results I will do hormone therapy for now. My surgeon is undecided about radiation. I feel he is waiting for the MRI? Surgery has not been scheduled yet. Waiting for the surgery coordinator to call and set date. I also am glad I have no chemo planned but worry the MRI and surgery can change that. I guess being in the seventies is not considered that old anymore? Could have fooled me! Lol

I also had Rt breast cancer - stage 1- had a lumpectomy at 69.. and my test was also 28 and I was that 5 weeks of radiation is all I would need. After radiation burns on remaining Rt breast and experiencing lymphedema - I had mammo & ultrasound which both results were NO CANCER !!! God luck

Thank you

Treatment decisions at any age require careful consideration of many personal factors, and it's completely understandable to weigh the potential benefits and side effects when discussing options with your medical team. Many patients find it helpful to seek a second opinion or ask their oncologist to explain how they arrived at their recommendation, as this can provide additional clarity when making such important choices. Consider connecting with others in this community who may have faced similar treatment decisions, as their experiences and perspectives could offer valuable insight during this challenging time.