How do I cope with ILC breast cancer diagnosis at 71?

Feeling scared after a cancer diagnosis is completely natural, and this community is here to offer the support and understanding that can make such a difference during this challenging time. Many members have navigated similar treatment paths and found strength in sharing their experiences, so connecting with others here who truly understand what this journey feels like can provide valuable comfort and practical insights as treatment planning moves forward.

I don’t have the same diagnosis. I was diagnosed with DCIS in 2024, had a lumpectomy, 4 weeks of radiation and am beginning my third year taking an aromatase inhibitor. Some challenges but I am managing. I hope your MRI today went well. Take just one day at a time. The lumpectomy is really not too bad.

I was just diagnosed in May Had lumpectomy in July Am now having 5 radiation treatments 1 every other day Finished 2nd treatment today. Then I’ll do the hormone therapy which I’m terrified of have only heard horrible things about I’ll be 75 in November . Thought I’d almost made it out of this world without cancer. My daughter died 4 years ago from AML My mother died from ovarian cancer. My Dad had 3 different cancers but live 17 years past it and it never returned.

I'm 5'7 & weigh 230lbs. I arrived today some 50 miles for the MRI, did 1/2 hour of paperwork - multitude of piercings/jewelry & top removed, IV started, I lie down on my stomach with both DDD'S in those cozy holes, metal bar digging into my breastbone, huge ear protectors put on me & then?? I COULDN'T FIT inside the machine!! NO one said a thing when I arrived, warning me my size might be an issue. Or when I got on the table. Are you kidding me? Got dressed. Left. Called the Open MRI in the town 30 miles from me & guess what? They don't do breasts!! WTH??? I called my Dr.'s office to let them know. They never knew there was a weight limit. Now what, oncology team?? Bet I'm Orlando bound next...

Wow! I’ve heard of 350+ pounders who were too big for an mri but not someone your size. Is there a university hospital nearby you? They often can accommodate people other places cant.