would like more info about radiation for women aged 70

nyperr

I had a lumpectomy, radiation and chemo 19 years ago for a tumor on my right breast. Now I have 2 new DCIS tumors on my left and one on my right.

I've been to 3 doctors at different hospitals in NYC. One highly recommended double mastectomy. The second recommended lumpectomy but said that they do not recommend radiation for women 70 and up. I am just over the line having turned 70 a few months ago but I feel that I am a young and fit 70. The third doctor agrees that the age number shouldn't matter and recommends a course of radiation on the left and Intraoperative radiation on the right breast that has been previously radiated. I was told that the 10 year recurrence rate without radiation is 10-12% and with is 3.5 - 5%.

Can anyone tell me the down sides of Intraoperative radiation? Have others been told that there is an age cutoff?

AliceBastable

Mostly I've heard that if you've had radiation once, they can't do it in the same place again, so they'd have to chart you very carefully to avoid overlapping on your previously treated areas. As far as age, I've never heard that. My Mom had the long course of 33 sessions when she was 88 and did just fine. I'd run like hell from any doctor who said 70 is a cut-off age.

MinusTwo

I agree with Alice - WTH is a cut off age? When are we disposable?

I had radiation starting at age 70 and came through it just fine.

ShetlandPony

The NCCN guidelines discuss when a patient over 70 could consider skipping radiation after lumpectomy. That is very different from a cutoff age. As a young and fit 70, you want those next ten years and beyond cancer-free!