Seeking Options for Early-Stage Breast Cancer Treatment at 70+

I found indoor swimming to be the best for my Femara hormone blocker joint pain. I use a float belt and aqua walk several times a week. Big relief. I stopped acupuncture which helped to start when I started in the pool. My whole outlook changed and so much less fatigue too. 68, 1A grade 2, 18 months ago. Invasive lobular. Hang in there!

Also, my a1c I went up a point, and my endocrinologist said it's because you digest fat differently. She wanted to give me more medication, so for one pill, I need to do 3 or 4 more things not happening. I may get some vitamin b12 as a supplement. I just saw a different dr in practice she was so marvelous. She will do radiation So, at least now, I will not worry about harmone pill. Just want to postpone it coming back in breast for as long as possible. Having big surgies in my 80s not going to happen.

Kathy H. I have mega issues with arromatase inhibitors. I am 71 Stage 4. I take effexor to handle the sweats and anger issues. Gabbapentin would help with pain and maybe anger. Not sure. Ask for a referral to a palative care Dr. Best thing I ever did.

Chemo is usually for Her-2+ cancer. I did it & im 72yrs old. I also had 16 rounds of hypo-fractionated radiation. Now on herceptin every 3 weeks to finish out a year for the Her-2+ part. Also on 5 years of Letrozole. If you are not happy with your care get a second opinion. I travel 250 miles each way to go to a top notch Cancer Hospital for treatment. This is your life, make sure to advocate for yourself. Good luck!

Well, I haven't been on in awhile got another dr and doing radiation. Finially. Did 16 and was getting ready to do the last 4 as boosts. However, they couldn't line up the markers. Seems my breast has shrunk, so had to redo markers on Tues and won't be able to restart the last 4 until next week. My breast is so burnt because my scar is right in fold under the breast. Not healing much in 2 days. I hope it does a bit better by Tuesday. I just don't know how it shrunk in 2 days. Anyway, I'm insisting I don't lose weight hard to do since I lost 60 pounds in 10 months and need to ⁵ř5. First time ever told not to loose weight.

Kathy H. I am glad your were able to find a new Dr. I fired my first oncologist because he was obsessed with giving chemo. I went for a second opinion and the oncologist there explained the prose and cons of chemo. The cons list for someone my age, I was 62 at the time, was twice as long as the as the pros. I did radiation. I was miserable on the hormone pill and eventually chose quality of life over quanity.

I agree with the pool work. I just recently started and feel so much better with joint pain. I take Lestrozole 2.5 mg and joints do get pretty achy. Take Lyrica 50 mg x1 daily. I was taking Lyrica x2 a day. With adding the swimming pool at my work out facility I was able to drop 1 pill. I just incorporated in my routine every day at 10:00 am 5 days a week. It has been so beneficial I look forward to going.

Do I need a script* from the oncologist- to start aqua therapy? I live very close to a relatively new local aquatherapy business. I will try anything to alleviate bone, muscle, nerve, & joint pain. How often is most beneficial per week? How long are aquatherapy sessions? This activity sounds very hopeful, indeed, if I benefit & can manage to make < aqua therapy > a regular part of my daily life. (most other aerobic/ physical exercise methods are just too painful for me...( I also suffer from fibromyalgia). Thank you in advance -for the information, ladies!

I just looked online and found a community indoor pool in my country. Try even the Y. You pay a nominal fee . Aquatherapy through physical therapy company can be very very expensive, so check all sources. Good luck to you!

I'm er+ pr+ her2+. Stage 1. No lymph nodes. Just started taxol and herceptin. Suggest radiation and aromatase inhibitor after. What can I expect? Any advice? 67 yes old. Acupuncture?

I am triple positive..12 rounds taxol, did a trial for radiation instead of 15 I did 3 mega doses. 6 months later 2 broken ribs and right breast shrunk. I was diagnosed at 64 turning 70 in a month. Im considered a survivor but at this point in my life I'm not concerned if it comes back. I live my life if it returns I'll have to decide then.

Since my Lumpectomy and starting on Tamoxifen i couldn't take anything for my arthritis. My oncologist suggested i take Cherry juice. I drink organic Tart Cherry juice. I take 4 Oz. every morning it helps with the inflammation and the joint pain. It will take about 2 weeks, but it really helps.

Kathy, Did you see the radiation oncologist? When I had radiation there was a lady who was 72. I think she just had 2 weeks....I would push that....go to another one for a 2nd option. Use caution with aromatase inhibitors because if you are in pain you could fall. Try a different one....discuss with oncologist what is your benefit from these meds. Also if you get another spot of cancer in your breast try to do the cryoablation ( freezing the tumor) it's a new great option for those over 70. I don't think they do it yet on younger women.

Find out if it’s OK to take fish oil with big complex it has helped my arthritis and I don’t take any other medicine for it

Can you find a different radiologist? I'm 70 and was given radiology for several weeks before starting my Tamoxifin regime. I know they had patients older than i am too.

Kathy ,don't let them age discriminate . I have alot of friends that are very active,healthy 70 year Olds.

Hi I have breast cancer grade3 that time was not on medication I was only on vitamin I am have a hard time taking my vitamin with my my chemo treatment because of my stomach and don't know if can with my treatment.

Finding the right treatment approach can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with multiple health challenges alongside a cancer diagnosis. Many patients in similar situations have found it helpful to seek a second opinion from another oncologist or cancer center, as treatment recommendations can vary between providers. The clinical trials community here often shares experiences with different treatment options and side effect management strategies that might be worth exploring. Consider reaching out to patient advocacy organizations or cancer support services, as they can sometimes help connect patients with additional resources and treatment options that might be available.