Too old for chemo?

Clarissa9

I am 70 and recently diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer. My consultant said that at my age I might not be able to tolerate chemo and they might have to try to find alternatives.. I was too surprised to ask why that would be. Any ideas?

ruthbru

What are your statistics (stage & grade of your tumor? do you have lymph nodes involved?). Do you have any other health problems or concerns?

wrenn

Chronological age shouldn't matter as much as general health. I was 66 and cut off after first dose because I developed diverticulitis and oncologist had warned about that since I had had it in the past but it wasn't about my age.

I think you should ask more questions.

Shellsatthebeach

I agree with the rest. When I was getting chemo, I saw many people getting chemo at an older age, so it may have to do with other factors.

NotVeryBrave

I would question that as well. If not satisfied with the answers, seek a second opinion. Heck - sometimes a second opinion is good even if you are satisfied!

edwards750

I know women at your age who did just fine with chemo. I agree with the others it should not be just about your age but more about your type of cancer and whether you can tolerate it based on your overall health.

I would definitely seek a second opinion.

Diane

Momine

According to my doc, age alone should not be the criterion. You can see his explanation here:

lrwells50

I was 67 when I started chemo, and I really think I sailed thru it compared to some of the ladies here. I would say that the fact that your consultant (oncologist?, what?)said you were too old means you SHOULD get a second opinion.

happyyogi

thank you for this!

KleeKai

Clarissa - hope you are doing well!  My mother was 87 when she did chemo for leukemia.  It's more about your overall general health than age.  However, you may want to consider the after-effects of chemotherapy.  When my mother was diagnosed at 71 with breast cancer, she chose to do no treatment at all (other than mastectomy).  She had breast cancer again at age 77 in her other breast, chose a mastectomy again and no other treatment.  

Clarissa9

My tumour Grade 3 and spread to the lymph nodes. (I didn't realised I'd had several replies)

I have, in fact, had 3 cycles of FEC T chemo and next 3 cycles switch to taxotere, pertuzumab and herceptin.

I am getting through it.

Not a journey I wld have chosen.

Tx for your responses.