72 yr old

heartbroken08

Had reoccurrence 9 yrs after same breast 5 yrs tamoxifen and rads - to have to go through a double mastectomy at this age or chemo?..so scared is it worth it at this age?

dogsandjogs

So sorry it is back----

I got a new cancer at age 75, after 28 years. Had a lumpectomy, but did not have radiation as I worried about my heart, lungs and bones, all of which would be affected according to the doctor. That may not be true in your case though!  Also, I gave up on the hormonals after a few months due to truly debilitating side effects. But again, you may do fine on them.

My friend had a double mastectomy at age 74. She had no further treatment and is doing fine , working part time.

Hang in there.  You can do this!

pupmom

Heartbroken, so sorry you have to go through this again. From what I've heard mastectomy is not too bad, especially if you don't have reconstruction. Never had chemo either, but many say it is very doable. 72 is not old anymore. You could have 20+ years ahead of you. I'm 64 and feel I would definitely go through the gauntlet again at your age and even beyond. Best wishes!

Gma04

Heartbroken08 yes it's worth it . You have family that love you don't give up that's the worst thing you can do I'm 69 have been healthy all of my life and now this cancer mxt right breast

Started chemo 7/3/13 I have 4 beautiful granddaughters a wonderful husband WE CAN DO THIS YOU BET. KEEP ME POSTED.

gma04

SoCalLisa

I am 70+ and don't know what to say. I had a single mastectomy 12 years ago and chemo. I do know I personally would never do chemo again. I did 5 years of anti hormone therapy and if I had to could do that again as well as another mast. But not chemo. Wishing you the best..

maddie1351

I am 70 years old, just recovering from a unilateral mastectomy.  No chemo, no radiation.  Even though drs. were pushing for reconstruction, I said no, not at my age!  I'm having a heck of a time with breast prosthesis though.  To tell the truth, I haven't given much thought to the cancer - my life is very busy.  I look at this as a speed bump on the road to old age, and I'm sure there'll be more surprises around the corner.  I am so sorry to hear your cancer came back.  If and when it happens to me, just like you, I'll deal with it too - even if we're 90.

Edith4Music

I am so sorry to learn of the reoccurrence. I had  a radical mastectomy and reconstruction surgery twenty-foour years ago. I tried Tamoxifen but stopped because of side effects. Now I'm having difficulty with whatever was put in place of the rectus abdominus muscle that was used to reconstruct the breast. Has anyone had this problem and did more surgery help? I agree that the age number is only a number on a page. I am so vain, however, that if anything occurred again, even at my age (72), I would  have reconstruction again.

Sharon1942

Heck, yeah, it is worth it at your age!  Remember, 70 is the new 50 - ha!  I had a unilateral mastectomy at 69 with DIEP reconstruction after I finished chemo & radiation.  I am now 70 & will have my stage 2b DIEP tweaking this fall. I love the results & would do it again in a heartbeat.  

Barb312

I am 75 and have stage iv. Dx'd 2011. I had chemo and radiation . Onc. says I am in remission. . Still play golf and enjoying the retired life in FL. Little pill not so good somedays, but I just get that positive thinking going.