76 yr old mom just diagnosed

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mags20487
mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
edited September 2015 in Just Diagnosed

I am already a member here for almost 4 years and today my mom was dx. I am so freaked out. Is she too old for chemo? Anyone have some thoughts or ideas about this? My heart is breaking for her as she is not one to handle things like this really well. They have not been able to identify the type the report just says Invasive carcinoma and more tests are coming. I hate cancer!!

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited July 2015

    I am sure age is a factor but more importantly how much of a benefit it would be for her. Lot depends too on the type, size, etc. Sorry about your mom. Keep us posted.

    Diane

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  • Ddw79
    Ddw79 Member Posts: 533
    edited July 2015

    I am so sorry about your Mom. Cancer sucks !!

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  • grammakathy
    grammakathy Member Posts: 407
    edited July 2015

    it's hard when it is our Mom. My Mom was diagnosed at age 80 and chose to have a lumpectomy. Her Onc could not talk her into radiation or any type of medications. She was suffering from dementia and had a hard time accepting the fact she had cancer. In spite of this, she passed away at age 87 from a heart attack and had no recurrence of her cancer. You never know what the future will bring. I wish they were able to stay with us forever. I've really missed my Mom as I've walked this BC path

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited July 2015

    mags, sorry to hear about your Mom. I think her overall health will be a factor. My Aunt was DX'd with Lymphoma at 81 and she did chemo. She had a hard time, but is doing well now .As you know, we all react differently. Best wishes to you both.

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited September 2015

    we just heard today that the ONC is suggesting chemo based on the ONCOTYPE test. He is leaving it to her as to whether or not she wants to. She really does not but wants to meet tomorrow to discuss the options. My head is spinning now. I have printed off some info from this site to help her make this important decision. I wish it were really clear cut. I told her that we need to ask the doc if he feels that chemo will extend her life at this point or not. She needs to think about her quality of life too at this point.



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  • jsonmm
    jsonmm Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2015

    I was 75 when I got the news this past Nov. I know what a shock to you both. I think the news was almost harder for my daughters. After lumpectomy results showed mine was grade 3 and her2+ my On recommended Taxol and Herceptin. She felt that because I was in good health otherwise I could tolerate it well...And I did ! I had very few of the many side effects they must make you aware of. Mostly just fatigue but I was able to have a great Christmas. I drove myself to most treatments. Just do the research, get a second opinion if not completely satisfied and trust your gut. I know everyone here will be pulling for you and it is a great place to ask any questions you have..all the best..

    On

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  • Rmanmom
    Rmanmom Member Posts: 31
    edited September 2015

    I don't post often but I saw this and wanted to tell you that my mom had TCx4 at age 81 and in fact had her last treatment after she was 82. Except for some fatigue and alterted taste buds she did fine. Her hair grew back quickly too. She is now almost 85, she takes letrozole and is completely independent, still driving, etc. My MO said that often older patients do better on chemo because they have low hormone levels. Her oncotype score came in borderline but because of a positive node she opted for chemo.

    Best wishes to you and your mom and whatever decision is made will be the right one for her.

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  • mags20487
    mags20487 Member Posts: 1,591
    edited September 2015

    Her score was 21. I did not research ER+. Much as mint was tn so no oncotype for me

    Thanks for the responses. I am going with her on Monday to see the onc. I want her to discuss mastectomy and how that might change treatment options eliminating the need for chemo and rads. Will let ya know how it goes

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  • Ridley
    Ridley Member Posts: 634
    edited September 2015
    Mags - my mom had BC in her 70s as well. She had a lumpectomy, rads and took arimidex for 5 years. Her onc told her chemo would decrease her odds of recurrence by 1-2% so she decided not to do it. She had already had a heart attack, and was scared of it.

    She just turned 82 and is doing great.

    I think having a mastectomy can eliminate the need for rads since that is treatment for local recurrence, but doesn't change the chemo discussion.

    Good luck to her and you.
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