I have been dianosised with IDC over ILC. I am 66 years old, over weight, and high blood pressure. The doctor said I must have a mastectomy. I am concerned about the after treatment. I have had a complete work up of scans, mri, and the cancer has not spread anywhere else.
My question is, what is the recommended treatment. Do I have to have chemo? Wouldn't it be better given my age, and medical problems to just have radiation?
Thank you.
Hi - You can certainly choose to not have chemo - it's your body, and you're in charge of your health care and treatment. There's every possibility you wouldn't need chemo, given that the cancer hasn't spread outside your breast; but you may want to ask your doctor for the Oncotype-DX test, which will tell you pretty definitively what kind of benefit chemo would have, given your diagnosis. Hope this helps - Good luck. PJH
My mom is 81 and was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of July. she had a lumpectomy eryone has and sensinal node biopsy that showed involvement in 1 node. 4 weeks ago she had a mastectomy and axiliary node clearance. The pathology showed that the cancer had not spread. she is to have hormone treatment (Arimidex) plus radiotherapy. She will not have any chemo because she is over 80. She is making a good recovery so far from the surgery and I hope the radiotherapy will not be too bad. Everyone has been great to her and the fact that she is almost 82 years old has not prevented her from getting excellent treatment. I hope it all goes well for you x P.S. my mom also has high blood pressure and diabetes
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Thank you for your information. It is a great help. I was wondering, why do the doctors, and the MRI tech. say that my cancer is a rare type? I have heard it about three times from professionals. Also the surgeon said,"This is a good cancer.", as if any of it is good.
Also, l on the bisopy it has markers:
ET Marker Result Interpretation Grouping
ER 90% Positive Favorable
PR 90% Positive Favorable
HER-2/NEU Non-reactive Negative Faborable
Thank you for your help. It truly is a huge help in making a decision. I go on the 22nd to see what kind of treatment the oncologist recommends. I'll request that Oncotype-DX test also. Thanks again