Age and recurrence?

Nevo84

Hello everyone

My mom was dx in November 2010 with BC. She is now 53. I've read somewhere that the risk of recurrence is becoming lower as she gets older. Is it true? And also some of the sisters mentioned in their comments that if you are ER- if your cancer don't come back in 5 years it won't after that. But the sisters with ER+ always have the risk of recurrence which obviously decreases after this period is it correct? I love my mom. She means everything to me. I pray for her and all of you dx with BC. Hugs to evryone

diana50

so much depends on the pathology of the cells....treatment options...no one knows why some people recur and some don't.  or why some do fairly soon after treatment or some 10  or more years down the line.  i understand you want some concrete information but...all they have out there is percentages...and each of of us,,,and your mom...aren't a statistic.  i think the way to deal with this is to just take one day at a time....enjoy each day.  i think acceptance that once you have had cancer....BUT you got great treatment...you do things that are good for you...you diminish your relapse rates....but, it is not such a clear picture..

these are good questions and the love you have for your mom is showing.  try to trust the treatment on some level...enjoy each day..and don't get too far ahead of yourself worring about the "what if"  or thinking about "recurrance" 

hang in there. 

diana

Cynthia1962

I think that maybe you are thinking of women who are what is called Triple Negative.  They are ER-/PR-, and HER2- and are the only ones (I think) that are considered cured after a certain time frame.  Women who are hormone + are always at risk of recurrence no matter the amount of time that has passed.  I have no idea where your mom falls since she is only HER2+.  That would be a question for her oncologist. 

As for age lowing recurrence risk, I think it means that the older a woman is when she is diagnosed, the lower her risk of recurrence.  Older women tend to get slower growing, less aggressive tumors, but, of course, that's not always the case.  There may also be specifics I'm not aware of.  Your mom would not be considered an "older" woman, I'm pretty sure.  I think it refers to women in their 60's and above.  

I know you want reassurance that your mom will never have to deal with bc again, but unfortunately there are no guarantees with cancer.   I agree with Diana50 - enjoy each day you have with your mom, make a lot of memories, and don't waste today worrying about tomorrow.  

Hugs to you and your mom!

Cynthia

lago

I have heard the same as what Cynthia has stated. As far as "young " I always assumed that those of us that haven't gone through menopause and maybe those who are peri or just completed menopause. Under 40 poses and even higher risk but under 50 is considered young. (I'm 49). Your mom sounds like she is close to my age so she is in the younger area but not real young.

bonitamagic

Hello Nevo.

As far as age is concerned I think the longer you have to live the greater your chance of recurrence. If you get cancer in your 20s you still have another 50-60 years to get it again. If you get it in your 50s or 60s you have less time for a recurrence. Also the BRACA 1 gene can play a part in that also.

I was diagnosed at 29. My markers were ER-,PR-,HER2-, with 2/18 pos lymph nodes. That was over 10 years ago. They considered me  CURED. My oncologist even kicked me out.  This time... my markers are ER+,PR+,HER2-, with no lymph nodes involved.  Fortunately, it is not a recurrence, I just happen to have it AGAIN. This time we are doing the BRACA testing.

Hopefully, THIS will be the CURE for your mother. And there will be no recurrence. BUT... if it does come back... just realize that every year, they are getting closer to a CURE. They have come a long way!!!!! And we will too!!!

Best of luck to you and your mom. : )) 

Nevo84

Dear bonitamagic

Could you you please explain  what are BRACA 1 & BRACA2?

NancyD

BRACA 1 and 2 are two identifiable genes in a person's genetic makeup. If they are found to be mutated, there's a higher risk in that person for breast and ovarian cancer. If there is a history of breast cancer in a family, BRACA testing will determine if the cause is likely hereditary, and can give undiagnosed family members the option of having prophylactic surgery.

Nevo84

Dear Nancy

Does it have influence on someones prognosis? I mean if you are positive the higher risk of recurrence or no difference?