Breast Cancer in people over 70

dogsandjogs

I am 75 and was told by my surgeon at the initial consultation that because of my age I would probably not want any additional nodes taken out (if the sentinel node showed cancer) Is that because the node cancer (if there was any) would be so slow-growing that it wouldn't be worth it to go thru the procedure? I agreed it wouldn't be worth it. He hastened to add that due to the small size of my cancer it was unlikely that I had any node involvement anyway.

Do node cancers grow slowly? 

I am now post-surgery 6 days and don't have any node results yet so don't know what (if anything) was found. 

Chevyboy

Hi Senior....I am 73....and really surprised to learn I had breast cancer also!  Had the surgery a little over a year ago, & I'm doing great!  Just a lumpectomy with the MammoSite device implanted during surgery, to deliver the radiation....I had that for a little over a week, & it all went well.  The surgeon took out 3 nodes, but all were clear....thank God!

So after the radiation, I had an Onco type test to tell me if I needed chemo....I didn't.  And I have been taking Tamoxifen for a little over a year now, & still doing good! 

Do try & get copies of all of your tests, & reports....Your Docs will give them to you...and ask lots of questions!  I STILL do....and just don't be afraid....the worst part is over now.....

Talk to you later! (((((hugs))))

LuvRVing

Hi Senior - the latest research shows that removing additional nodes in early stage breast cancer does not improve survival rates, so you are correct to think that you don't want any additional nodes removed.   Good luck - I hope your sentinel nodes are clear and you can move on to radiation.  Ask your doctor about Mammosite - it's 5 days, twice a day, and then you are done.  Your age and size of tumor should make you eligible for this procedure.

 Michelle

dogsandjogs

Thanks to both of you!  I will ask for copies and also ask about the Mammosite. The surgeon did mention something like that, but then said I might not be a candidate because of my Atrial Fibrillation. So am going to ask my cardiologist too about that.