Hello can’t find any information about women 80+ who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and what is the preferred treatment they choose ,
I have a 2cm lump no lymph node involved should I go for lumpectomy and radiotherapy or just choose the tablet only route, any thoughts appreciated .
Continuing the discussion from Advice for 80+ with breast cancer:
I would have it removed and do the radiation, you should never leave cancer in your body if it can be removed, the pills are another story, I was on them for 10 months, couldn’t take the side effects, and the more I read about them causing heart issues and causing low bone density, the more I’m happy I quit.
I was diagnosed on my 77th birthday it was 6mm with DCIS accompanying triple positive, I had lumpectomy + radiation, mammograms all clear for the last two+ years, next one in December praying it will be all clear!
Hope that helped you!
Good luck
Hello Bella-b,
So sorry to read you post, I agree with Flan better out than in, however your team may suggest after surgery and radiotherapy you still. need medication.
Take one day at a time at the moment, we are all around for you.
Wishing you well, health and happiness going forward, please let us know how you’re getting on.
With love Tili 
Dear @bella-b , If you can cope with surgery then that is your best bet, especially if no lymph node involvement. You could also opt for mastectomy flat closure and thereby omit radiotherapy which was thr route I myself chose.
If you opt for lumpectomy and clear margins are not obtained then further surgery may be required. I dont know what type of cancer you have but if its hormone positive and the wait time for surgery in your area is long then your team could put you on letrozole whilst you are waiting and deciding. Take your time to think about it all and ask as many questions as you want and need to. I have a friend who was diagnosed at 79. She had all the treatment and is doing well apart from peripheral neuropathy and insomnia but I know she agonised for a long time about chemo and radiotherapy. I have to say that I agree with @Flan - better out than in.
I wish you well whatever you decide. It is a very personal decision . Do call the macmillan and breast cancer now helplines to discuss further. With love from Tulip x
Hi, my Mother found a very small lump when she was 89. ( she is now 95 and well )
She has taken anastrozole since, thats all and the lump is now not detectable.
I had breast cancer 9 years ago, had 2 x wle , chemo and rads with letrozole since.
She doesnt notice any side effects of the anastozole and will continue for the rest of her life.
I, personally would, at least have the lump removed.
I wish everyone well.
Hi bella-b
Thanks for your message, which has been passed onto the nurses.
It can be difficult to decide on the best treatment for you when you have been given more than one option to choose from. There is no right or wrong answer, and it is a very personal decision.
The first treatment for primary breast cancer that is usually recommended to most women is surgery. This is less to do with age and more to do with whether you can tolerate a general anaesthetic. Your treatment team will need to check this during a pre-assessment. For women who are not able to safely have a general anaesthetic, hormone tablets can be a good first treatment. However, as @Flan mentions, some women find it difficult to tolerate the side effects.
As @Tulip29 says, people may choose to start on hormone treatment initially whilst deciding whether to go ahead with surgery. It is also worth considering that if you choose to have hormone treatment instead of surgery, your team will likely monitor you with scans regularly and may suggest surgery again if the hormone treatment stops working.
As @Tili suggests, you are likely to be recommended hormone treatment for at least 5 years, even if you choose the surgery and radiotherapy option.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Natasha
Breast Care Nurse
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