Deciding not to have surgery and radiotherapy , my path.

Dear SMP 

That is a very brave decision and obviously everyone has the right to choose what happens to their body.

I will say that 80 is not old!!! And you seem very fit too.  Interesting to note that in older patients that the alternative route can be better for older patients - still think you aren't old though   And what fantastic news that the tumours have shrunk/disappeared. Wow, you and your team must be so delighted with these results.

I have been on the forum for a long time, having been diagnosed over 7 years ago at the age of 51 and this VERY long thread is by a lady who has sadly passed now made the same decision as you.  Having found the thread, it only comes out at the end (page 51), but it may be an interesting read for you if you want to scroll to the beginning io see what treatments Chloecat did as alternatives.  She was younger than you  Hers was slightly less than mine at the time and I recall thinking during the course of the thread - I'd had my treatment, done and dusted and I was getting on with my life and she was still having treatments.

I has my auxillary lymph nodes removed, 80mm of my 38D breast removed (due to grade 3 DCIS x 2 and ER+ 15mm grade 2 tumour) and radiotherapy.  Then Anastrozole for 5 years.  Each part of this treatment I was so worried about and each part was so much more manageable that I thought it would be and I certainly don't regret having the treatment.  I had left breast radiotherapy and couldn't do the breathe technique, but despite it being over my heart I have had no issues with any after effects from radio. 

Lumpectomy - operation at 4.30pm (I even walked into theatre myself as refused the pre-med) - home by 7.30pm.  Operation on Wednesday, driving by Sunday. Radiotherapy I drove myself 60 miles each day for the 15 sessions - no problem and was perfectly ok apart from a small amount of radiotherapy burns, but nothing too serious.  Anastrozole was ok, apart from the usual menopausal symptoms as I'd been through menopause, but had had no symptoms whatsoever.  I was certainly one of the lucky ones where I sailed through my treatments, but it is important to take into account positives as well as mostly, I am sure the negatives are online because those who have got through it all easily have just gone on and left these forums behind.

When first diagnosed, I can remember thinking that I would be delighted if I could make 56 (i.e. the 5 years), now at 58 I wonder where on earth those 5 years have gone!  

Take good care of yourself.

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Everyone has their own choices to make and you are evidently delighted with how everything is going, which is brilliant.

Just to add to what lesleyhelen said, I actually found surgery and radiotherapy the easiest part of treatment. I was only mid 40s when diagnosed so obviously a different situation, but I had chemo then surgery then radiotherapy and now 5 years of hormone therapy. Chemo was the hardest but the hormone therapy is pretty tough too, though it has improved significantly in the few years since I started. 

The thing I wanted to really mention was that I have been discharged completely from oncology with no need to go back. I found the scans and waiting for results during my main treatment very stressful and felt like my life was in limbo. I think I would find the monitoring part of your treatment plan the hardest thing so just wanted to add to the thoughts on surgery and radiotherapy. They were a breeze for me. I was back working a few days after surgery and also drove myself to radiotherapy every day. 

Good luck with it all. You are in charge of your own treatment and it's great that you have researched what is right for you.

Hi SMP , thanks for posting your story, it’s really interesting. I was 59 when diagnosed and have taken all treatments offered (surgery, anastrozole, 3 weeks radiotherapy as was the norm back in 2019). I’m still on Anastrozole and due to finish after 7 years, in just over a year. My tumour was high oestrogen positive so I’m aware, like you’ve said, that it’s a ‘crafty’ type that can return after many years. If that happens to me when I’m a bit older (65 atm) I’d certainly consider looking at other options. I think already that for over 65s with my original diagnosis, it’s no longer automatic to recommend radiotherapy. 
Like you I’m a keen walker (I call it my sanity saver!) and follow a diet that hopefully contributes to continued good health! Enjoy your beautiful beaches and countryside, love and hugs, HFxx

Hi, I was originally diagnosed with invasive cancer, oestrogen positive (8/8) but no spread, at the age of 73. I opted for a mx with implant reconstruction plus Letrozole for 5 years, but due to considered low risk that was swapped to Tamoxifen for the last 2 years. 

Sadly mine recurred, underneath the implant and of a bigger size than originally. I wouldn’t have known but for a sneaky bit that popped up near the end of my scar, and now I’m flat (much to my distress) and am post radiotherapy but waiting to go onto Exemestane and Abemaciclib as I’m obstinately concerned that I give it my best shot at a cure. I’m now 79 and like you, enjoy my walks and exploring when away in my motorhome. Sadly that hasn’t been as often as I’d have liked this year, but I will be off to the Norfolk coast soon. 

I’m supportive of your decision, it’s yours to make, but I’d promised daughter I’d live to 120 so that in her 90’s she’d need to look after me! (She had a long illness with a blood cancer, it’s in my long profile!) 

Hope you continue well and determined!

hugs xxx

Thank you for that. Mine was stage 2. Had I been your age when diagnosed my decisions would have been different. I had carnival cancer when I was 40 and had a radical hysterectomy so I’ve dodged the bullet once so to speak! I know 80 isn’t old but I’d rather have 5 years of a great life than 20 dealing with illness with greater challenge each year. That was my thinking. 
I won’t read the thread as I want to stay positive and my only treatment right now is Letrozole and the team see me every 3 months and I trust that. 
I am SO SO. Pleased all is good for you that is truly wonderful your positive mental attitude has helped you no doubt. Thanks for your post. The only reason I posted was to

show that as an older woman there are alternatives. 

Thank you for your kindness , take care! 

Thank you.

Review every three months is really reassuring I find. I might seem a bit strange but I enjoy it! 

Thank you! For you thoughtful reply.

 I was lucky that my clinician doctor daughter is doing research for a doctorate in her specialism. She helped me find research papers and her librarian found some for me ( out of hours!) so my systematic review aided my decision and enabled full family support. The research showed positive outcomes for older breast cancer patients who for whatever reason chose not to go for surgery.

I am blessed  that I’m a glass  full person and drawing on previous experiences I spent a lot of time “telling” my body to heal using various NLP methods. You sound positive too. Go well!