Hi just looking for some encouragement here, as its so hard to decide. I am a 76yrs, healthy, no medicines, just some numbness in feet, peripheral neuropathy, which has caused leg weakness which makes it hard to walk, which I am improving with exercises. Got a diagnosis 13mm triple negative, negative node. Had mastectomy, had one round of chemo after changing my mind, and then decided against chemo. Every time I see the word cancer anywhere and it’s around a lot, I start getting overwhelmed with fear and would appreciate anyone on here who took the same decision. I think my age is a big factor. Anyone on here about my age been through the same as me.
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@roza hi I didn’t want to read your post and not reply. I am in my 40’s going through treatment chemo surgery then radio / medication.
I have admiration to yourself and others in your age bracket going through this. It’s tough mentally and physically and wow what warriors you are.
This fight to emotionally that I have learnt and completed normally to feel overwhelmed.
Take care hope you find your persons to help you. Xcxxxx
Thank you titch1
Sounds like you are a warrior. Maybe you should change your name to that :
All the best to you in your journey and you have encouraged me already. I think I now realise the fear and overwhelming is normal part of it, so that eases it a lot. Take care
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Hi Roza,
Welcome to the forum 
I am 47, so not in your age bracket, but I can perhaps help.
My chemo is very intense, I have 4 three-weekly Epirubicin and Cyclophosamide (EC) cycles, plus 12 weekly Paclitaxel cycles. I have found EC to be a very harsh regime, most people agree, but I’m told Paclitaxel is a little easier.
I think for me, if I was weighing up quality of life versus effectiveness I would find our how intense the chemo is. All drugs are different and it may be that there is a mix that works and isn’t too intense but does the job.
I hope that helps in some way, it’s a hard to decide. Xx
Hi boobtube1, thanks for your help. I had 1 cycle EC and that was bad. Noticed the numbness was worse, weighing all up is a hard decision. But I suppose I have to decide and then stick to it.
Since Feb 23 I have changed lifestyle a lot including diet, exercise, sleep and even my fatty liver went down significantly, including blood pressure. So you can see why I’m reluctant for chemo. It’s just as well these forums are here cause it’s good to read people’s stories, because you can’t say really unless you’ve been there, done that, worn the t-shirt. All the best to you
Dear @roza , I empathise with your dilemma and it is indeed a very hard decision. Only you can make this decision as all treatment is by consent.
After 4 doses of EC chemo aged 66 in 2023 I declined Paclitaxol as I wasn’t prepared to risk peripheral neuropathy to which I was at very high risk because I have type 1 diabetes. I was also node negative.
On the yerbba.com you tube channel Dr Jennifer Griggs has a video about treatment regimes for breast cancer patients over 70. This indicates that they often need to be gentler. The potential impact on any existing health conditions is also important and we tend to accumulate quite a few of those as we age!
Of course it’s important to talk this through fully to be sure. I talked my decision through with a nurse at my local cancer centre and with a Macmillan nurse on their helpline. There is also the option to ask to be connected with another person of a similar age who stopped or declined chemo through the Breast Cancer Now Someone Like Me service which you may find helpful.
Wishing you well Love Tulip x
Dear Tulip29, thank you so much for your encouraging message. I will look into those things definately. I’m glad you are ok and it’s not easy like you said. It’s the hardest thing I have ever done, and I’ve done a few hard things 
All the best to you. Xx
Just wanted to add that I also has mastectomy flat closure. Now I eat a very healthy diet, keep a regular sleep routine, and prioritise relaxation and minimising stress ( as far as one can in this modern world). X
Wow Tulip29, that’s exactly what I’m doing. I had a mastectomy and recovered really well, no problems. Was thinking because my immune system was very good maybe it caused a hard time on the chemo. A bit of a war going on there, I don’tknow Im not a scientist. Looking into diet, sleep, limiting stress, all those things. I actually think stress is a biggy.
The difference is I have decided to not have the chemo after 1 cycle, and that’s the difficult thing because I think some people think I’m crazy. But was hoping to hear from anyone who chose not to have the treatment. Not saying that’s the best option for everybody and the cancer centre where I am have been amazing and helpful. I’m not one who usually finds decisions hard to make, but this has been very difficult. I think who you have around you is very important. Having breast cancer certainly changes your look on life, and reminds you how important it is and I’m not one for putting rubbish in this body, so chemo is a hard one for me, especially the outcomes and issues it can make. Thank you to everyone who has responded, much love to you all xx
@roza I’ve joined this forum to reply to you. I’ve had surgery, radiotherapy and on Anastrozole. But, also had a discussion about having chemotherapy and immunotherapy for a year which I declined. Crazy? Possibly yes, only time will tell. Funny thing was when I turned 65, the predict figures changed. I have the same survival rate with/without chemo but it has now lowered. I was really dreading my first year check (thought IT might come back). After my first year mammogram was cancer free, I feel more relaxed. I will never forget two comments but one in particular was when I needed reassurance about NOT having chemo - “why would I have it as the surgeon had cut it out”. I’m a very strong person, still have occasional ‘wobbles’ but after a year have been to a couple of meetings and know I’m not alone. The best info I had looking back, is eat well, drink well and sleep well. I’ve also started a year long project changing/replacing things like cleaning products, toiletries and make up. It takes my mind off things. I like to think I’m making a difference to the planet plus me but also changing habits of a lifetime.
I’m 82 diagnosed triple negative in February. Had a mastectomy in April and have just finished 6 infusions of chemo.
3 of Red Devil then 3 of Tacodoxel.
Tomorrow I start 5 rounds of radiotherapy
I took the advice of my Surgeon and Oncologist and made my mind up to go ahead. I certainly don’t regret that decision the side effects of the chemo were difficult at times, but there is a specialised health team to.get you through it.
I.wont lie, it has been tough at times I also had nothing wrong with me health wise. If you have a support team and put things in place before you start you will be fine.
Good luck with your decision xx