Breast cancer

Morven 1 month ago

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I was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer after 18years cancer free. I had my first mastectomy in August 2007 with lymph node involvement. After surgery I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy then had tamoxifen for 2.5 years. Due to gall bladder problems I had to change to Anastrozole for a further 5 years and was cancer free until last Christmas. I’ve now had a mastectomy on the left side in March ER+PR+ and HER low. I will be starting chemotherapy on Tuesday which I’m quite nervous about as last time I ended up back in hospital with an infection. Just hoping this time that doesn’t happen as I’m now 82years of age. Just wondered if anyone else the two mentioned and how they coped on them

Genevieve 1 month ago

Hello Morven,

I have just joined this community but am very familiar with breast cancer. I first had a lumpectomy on my right breast in 1987 followed by a course of radiation then 6 months of chemotherapy. I had 30 years 'in remission' then cancer was diagnosed in the same breast in 2017. This time I had a mastectomy of the right breast followed by immediate reconstruction.I was not prescribed chemotherapy this time but took Letrozole for 4 years.

I had been nursing my husband who died in a September 2021 and shortly after I discovered that the cancer was back, It had hidden in the skin!

In May 2022 I had an operation to remove this tumour followed by Taxol chemotherapy for 5 months. I stopped because of nerve damage in my toes and finger tips but I continued with Herceptin and Perjeta infusions every 3 weeks.

The infusions were swapped for injections of combined doses of these drugs (called Phesgo) every 3 weeks. It only takes a few minutes and I have tolerated this well. I have regular cardio exams every 3 months. Since October 2022 I have also taken daily tablets of Anasatrozole to suppress Oestrogen. I was surprised I needed this at a senior age but apparently your body still manufactures this after menapause. I will be 80 in a few weeks, so have lived with breast cancer for half my life. It has not curtailed my enjoyment of life and I've been able to raise my children and enjoy my grandchildren. I'm so grateful for the guidance and care of the surgeons and oncologists. I look forward to and make the most of each day. All good wishes to you.

Morven 1 month ago in reply to Genevieve

Hello Genevieve

i have been taking Letrasole for a few weeks but was told to stop as the chemo wouldn’t work. I lost my right breast 2 years after my husband passed away with bowel cancer in 2005. It was the anniversary of his death when I was given the news. But non the less I was determined to fight it and after all the treatment I remained cancer free until I was told in January 2026 it returned in the left breast. I’m 82years of age now but I will have all the treatments and carry on fighting as I want to see my great grandchildren grow up so that’s my aim. I’ve had a number a major surgeries including spinal surgery and fought everyone so as you said take one day at a time and enjoy.

Good luck and best wishes to you and as they say in the uk age is just a number.

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