70 Am I the oldest?

Kaara

I'm 71 and still going strong.  I went in today for my second mammogram and then an ultrasound which was inconclusive.  Now they want me to do a breast MRI to be on the safe side.  I've been having mammograms every year since my 40's, to catch something like this in the early stages.  I recently started taking bioidentical hormones (last March) so does anyone know if this could be the reason for the changes in my breast tissue?

I'm glad I found this site because I believe in being as informed as possible about any challenges that I might face.  Some of my friends who have had cancer don't want to know anything, and just let the doctors decide their course of treatment.  I don't find that to be a sensible decision.

I've already learned several informative things just since doing my research.  Would appreciate any advice that could be shared about how to proceed on this breast MRI.  We had a cruise planned which we're going to take, and I'm not going for the MRI until I return.  

All the best to everyone and would appreciate any feedback. 

Blindsided

I am 63, one year after diagnosis, with 2 surgeries, 3 months of chemo and 6 weeks of radiation behind me,and now back to "normal", although with shorter hair! But I am really writing because of my MOM, who was diagnosed with IDC 2 years ago at age 85, had surgery, and radiation, and is doing great at age 87, still driving, living alone, and totally independent!

Shirlann

Hi sister, statistically cancer is an aging disease.  I personally think few older women are computer savvy, soooo, less of us post.

Gentle hugs, Shirlann 

BarbaraAnn47

Hello, Ladies,

This is my first time to post. Jan 2010 I was diagnosed with stage 2 B, Hers2+ BC involving 3 lymph nodes. I had a lumpectomy and began chemo. After 2 treatments we moved to SC and didn't skip a beat.  The cancer had jumped the margin in 2 places. My new Dr. had me complete chemo (May through Nov) and had a Mastectomy last Jan. A month later I started 6 weeks of radiation. The last chemo was Abraxane and herceptin.  Had a serious allergic reaction to Taxol. Completed the herceptin last Aug. 11. Horror of horrors, my tumor marker was abnormal last Thursday. Will have another blood test on 11/14. Has this happened to any of you? Are the tests ever wrong? Oh, I am 64.... Not the youngest or the oldest!

Alpal

Welcome, BarbaraAnn. You're just my age! Wanted to assure you that tumor markers often rise for no discernable reason. Virus, inflamation, etc. Happens all the time. Maybe this info will help you rest easier until your next blood work. Good luck to you.

ILwoman

I am 71 yrs., diagnosed 9/2011, stage 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-, 2/5 nodes Microscopic .5mm.  My oncologist will not recommend chemo, since I am past 70. He said there are too many risks for people past 70.  I'm in excellent health.  Radiation was not an option, since he said criteria is 4-6 nodes or largest tumor being >5 cm.  Is this a new guideline, or is it the age thing?

Onc. prescribed Anastrozole ONLY.  He was highly recommended to me by an internist & a surgeon, as a great oncologist.  (He was at Loyola for many years.)  I am going to seek a second opinion.  I hate to think that my life could be dependent on that one little pill.

Infobabe

I am 76 and I know not the oldest on this web site.

Ginger48

My mom is 83 and just celebrated her first cancerversary. I was diagnosed 3 weeks after her at age 48. She is doing great! She has just started using a computer and email so maybe she will get on BCO as she gets more comfortable using the web.