I'm 76 Jus Diagnosed

Diagnosed at 72. It was a 9 month nightmare and I woke up in somebody else's body, but feel better every day. I went through the stages of grief - anger lasted a while. More discomfort than "they" tell you about. I live in Canada so only had 16 rad. treatments. Not too bad in terms of physical symptoms - just very inconvenient to go every day, as it was a 4 hour return trip. I ended up staying in a cancer lodge for 8 nights of the 16.

You will get through this, but it takes time and you need to take care of you. (I am caregiver to my husband who has stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which doesn't help with stress issues). Give yourself permission to be afraid, angry, all of that, but also remain positive.

Delta Lady

My grandma 78 was diagnosed 2 years ago. It doesn't really true that older women has always more indolent breast cancer subtypes. My grandma has very aggresive subtype, despite highly ER and PR positivity, called invasive micropapillary carcinoma. Among patients over 70 years old Luminal A occurs in frequency about 50%, Luminal B 30%,HER-2 enriched and basal-like subtype both about 10%. Cathytoo, did you think about adjuvant chemo (capecitabine monotherapy or TC)?

I believe our inimitable “duckyb" is in her 80s--and dancing up a storm at families and weddings. And my former office mgr. was diagnosed (ER+/PR+/HER2-, IDC) at 80. She had lumpectomy but no radiation--will probably be on an AI for the rest of her life. No side effects except for, as she puts it, her “own personal summer.”

As far as triple-negative, it is true that it is aggressive and carries a high risk of early recurrence; but because rapidly-dividing cells are the most vulnerable to chemo, after five years cancer-free its survival rate compares favorably to that of hormone+/HER2- cancers--in fact, it’s more likely to be “cured."

Hi I am 75 had lumpectomy, stage 1, but I do have MS, and asthma with a low immune system. Eat healthy, doing well until this BC occurred!..I have read the risks of radiation, to the lungs and heart even 10 yrs. after. Also the fatigue I want the next yrs to be quality yrs. Thinking of not going any further with radiation. Also the pill could cause more intense pain in my joints from the MS. .I just want to get over all this discomfort and get back to" my normal"!! Dealing with the MS and asthma, is enough!! Darlene

I too am 71 and still active. LPN but only part time. Also primary caregiver to my spouse with ALZ. Will see surgeon on Aug 3. Good luck to you and I will keep in touch. Prayers!

hi-- I was 71 when diagnosed in 2012, and am now over 3 and a half years past surgery, and all is well. In fact, just got back down to 8000 feet after hiking up to 11,000 feet! This diagnosis is not necessarily the end of the world!

Gab34--I declined doing any hormonal therapy from the very beginning, given my favorable stats and my age, and met no opposition from the MO and had great support from the BS and RO, both of whom monitor me very carefully. If I get a recurrence, .i'll deal with i if or when it happens

Hey, check this out:

Medscape/Risks of Breast Cancer Screening in Women 70-Plus

I was 75 when I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in one breast. Decided to have breast removed, my test results were all good there fore not needing chemo or radiation. I had my mamo's every year, but have dense breast, so maybe it got overlooked for a year as it was stage 2 when found. I was lead to believe by the surgeon that he would test lymph nodes and if they were clean he would not remove any, but for some reason, I ended up with 14 nodes removed and they ALL were clean!! This has been my worst problem since surgery. The lymph edema and pain and discomfort under the arm pit After 2 years, it is still there.The anti-hormone medication is Anastrozole. I have gained about 6 lbs in 2 years, very uncomfortable in my belly area. I am not a big eater, however the weight seems to continue. I lack the energy to exercise, but walk when I can outside. I also have osteoarthritis and heart condition, the meds slow me down. The point being here is that it could have been worse for me like a lot of other women. I looked at it as being lucky I got by so easy. My suggestion is keep a positive attitude about it all and try to get through each day one day at a time. As for me I do not fear the diagnosis of getting it in the other breast, I worry about not being able to live out my life in such a manner to help my Son who is fighting depression and anxiety every day of his 46 year old life. I worry I won't be here to support him as he grows older. I think we all have crosses to bear in life, but sometimes it is hard to carry that cross. I try to put faith in God that he will be there for us as we go forward. I had to leave my home and life that I knew on the east coast to move to AZ for support system from my sister - and I do regret that as I have not been able to adjust to that more than my cancer journey. She condems me all the time about not being able to adjust the new life, but she has not walked in my shoes. My Best Wishes on your Journey!!! keep positive!!