Newly Diagnosed at 76: Seeking Advice on Breast Cancer Treatment with Heart Cond...

Oh wow Barb. I'm so sorry to hear you are going through all of that. Second opinion sounds like a good idea. I knew I was going to do that regardless of what the first doctors told me. So not sure what " angry" means. When I was diagnosed the information I got on my breast cancer was the following: grade (range from 1 to 4), estrogen and progesterone status (either positive or negative and a number attached to each one, mine was 100% estrogen and progesterone positive), Ki67 number (I think this tells you how fast the cancer may be growing), is it DCIS or something else like IBC and LCIS ( you'll have to look those up on the Internet, it's too much to write here) and is it HER 2 negative or positive. What stage (and this is different than the grade). Stages are 1-4. You can get a blood test to tell you more about what type of cancer you have and how it might be behaving. My test was called an oncotype. It told me if chemotherapy would be beneficial or not. It also gave me a score on probable recurrence. This is very helpful in making informed treatment decisions. For example one score on my Oncotype test was low so that told me and the doctors that chemotherapy would be useless. So knowing this kept me from doing chemo as it wouldn't do any good with the particular type of cancer I had/ have. With each test you get, you get more specifics on what type of cancer you have. Hope this helps. 💜

I am a three 3s hormone wise, a stage one. The surgeon was very thorough after the biopsy with hormone testing. I don't have the detailed results in front of me, but tomorrow I'll do some comparison . I know I was negative progesterone and estrogen. Thank you so much for responding. I'm sure, once I have all the written stuff, it'll mean so much more. Good luck with your treatment and recovery.

Yes, same to you too. I know when I was first diagnosed it was so overwhelming. it does get better with time.

Hello...I was diagnosed at 74, stage 1/2 DCIS. I, too, suggest a second and 3rd opinion. I finally decided on a lumpectomy and radiation only. I was diagnosed in June, decided to go on a long scheduled vacation, caught up at work and had surgery late July. I saw 3 oncologists, and after meeting me said... oh, you are not "typical". Surgery and radiation is all you need... we often do chemo so women won't worry ! Really ! I took 2 weeks off work ( had to have 2 surgeries a week apart ) then did 5 full weeks of radiation in Oct. ( waited for a new, special machine to come in ) and worked full time every day. Almost 2 years later I am fine, and never think about it. Do what you feel comfortable with, take as much time as you need... you will do great !!

So Renee C. You are not on any medication like letrozole?

Hello. No medication, no followup except mamo every six months, now every year. And I am not a worrier... had stage 4+ thyroid cancer 8 years ago, surgery and radioactive iodine and totally clear since. Take lots of vitamins, etc. and just keep a positive ( non religious ) attitude.

Good to hear that! I know a positive attitude helps.

Well... I was born with a brain issue, and was in over 30 clinical trials before I found a solution ; ). I do not mean to discount other's experiences, just to share my own. I have doctors who have said, for the last 50 years "I can't believe you are alive". Now they say... wow! You are healthier than 95% of my patients your age. Just keep doing whatever it is you do ; ). I tell them I never listen to fear based advice, especially from doctors 😂

I as well was in a study I was diagnosed in February 23 and had surgery in September after 3 months on medication to shrink the tumor. Then had lumpectomy and some lymph nodes removed. They said that the tumor was larger than they thought. Then I had brachytherapy in my left breast. They sent a sample to check for the oncotype and they said that the sample was too small to diagnose. Which was very disappointing to me. I chose not to take the drugs afterwards after much prayer and will have a mammogram again next month. I am always praying and trusting in the Lord as I navigate the journey Praying for wisdom for all of us.

I never heard of brachytherapy for breast cancer. I looked it up. It is interesting. I wonder why none of my doctors recommended it discussed this🤔

Welcome to the community! Finding the right treatment path when dealing with multiple health conditions can feel overwhelming, and seeking a second opinion shows great advocacy for your own care. Many community members have navigated similar decisions about treatment sequencing, especially when heart conditions need to be considered alongside cancer treatment. The combination of medical expertise from different specialists can help create a plan that addresses both your cancer and heart health safely, and connecting with others who've faced comparable choices often provides valuable perspective and support.