Bilateral next week. On info overload, but need more.

CoyRita

I'm 61 and was recently diagnosed with IDC, about 3cm (right under my right nipple), am hormone positive and HER2 positive.  Currently planning a bilateral on April 10th, with expanders inserted for reconstruction.  Really don't want radiation, but am expecting chemo.  I sometimes react badly to various meds and want to know what alternatives are out there for natural, or alternative medications to help with the chemo.  Since I'm post menopausal, don't know if an Onco-dx test will tell me anything?  They haven't suggested it, so far.  I have a sluggish gut, am overweight and am concerned I may not be able to withstand the side effects of the chemo.  Just really anxious about it all.  Didn't expect invasive bc at my age.  Why isn't it a slow growing "old people" cancer?  Been trying to figure out what triggered it.  Did have hormone therapy when I was younger, and more recently did have a few drinks at bedtime to counteract restless leg syndrome so I could sleep.  I also have sleep apnea and wear a CPAP at night.  I need words of wisdom from someone with similar diagnosis and age.  Thanks.

bre

Hi Coy,

 I was 49 at diagnosis on Jan 2004.  My breast cancer was IDC at 3:00, 1.7 cm and required a mastectomy because it was so close to the nipple.  I did not do reconstruction but did do chemo.  I did not need or want radiation.  Chemo is no fun but they have very good drugs out there to help with the side effects.  So it is doable.  Start walking a little every day right now.  That will help your sluggish gut, help your appetite, boost endorphins, and keep you a little stronger during chemo.  Some days you will be able to walk more than others.  Just listen to your body.  If they knew what triggered bc, they would be that much closer to a cure.  It's not anything that you did, just plain bad luck.  Don't beat yourself up over it.  My surgeon said I had done every thing right in order to prevent it and had no family history and I still got it.  Anyway, you can see that I am 5 years from diagnosis and am doing well.  I hope that is encouraging.  Make sure if you do alternative meds that they don't have soy or plant estrogen in them since you're er+.  Are they going to insert a mediport for the chemo?  It will save your veins alot.  Good luck!

CoyRita

Bre, 

Thanks for responding.  I will have a mediport, so that should help.  I do watch my foods pretty close, too.  I'm encouraged that you are doing so well.  I'm sure I'll survive and we'll both enjoy our grandkids for a long time.  Just wish the docs could remove the cancer and that would take care of it, but will do my best with the chemo, etc.  Coy Rita. 

Isabella4

Hi Rita.

I was diagnosed at 61, one lump 1.7cm IDC. I opted for double mastectomy, I had heard so many stories of having a single mast., only for it to return 2/3 years later in remaining breast, also wanted symmetry.

I did rads, and am on Arimidex now, chemo was an option, but my Onc didn't push it, and worked out I would only get a 1-2% benefit from it. So weighing up the bad effects of chemo I decided to pass. Will always wonder if I was right, but can live with it !

I have never been back for reconstruction, would have done if I were 20 years younger, but not too bothered at this age !

Good Luck with your upcoming surgery.

Isabella.