Posted on behalf of new user Francis
Kind regards
Lucy
I was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in October 2005. As I was then 79 yrs. of age my first thought was that this was the end of the road for me. However, I was immediately started on 6 cycles of FEC, followed by 20 “hits” of radiotherapy and then, after a 6 months rest, 12 months of Herceptin. My last dose of Herceptin was in August 2007 and in January of this year my mammograms and scans were clear.
The surgeon suggests I now have a mastectomy but as I am now 82 yrs. I am reluctant to go down this road and have opted for a “wait and see” policy and can change my mind later if I wish. I am now monitored every 3 months, alternately by the surgeon and the oncolgist and cannot sspeak too highly of the care and attention I have received from our local Cancer Care Unit.
I have always had an active and busy lifestyle and was never ill before finding this lump. I am still fairly active but much slower because of painful degenerative changes and lowered bone density in my lumbar spin, hips and knees. This is most likely age-related but I do wonder if the chemo and Herceptin have also had an effect on my joints, because the problem started so suddenly after completion of my treatment.
I remain positive though, as I have throughout all my treatment - apart from that initial shock and dismay - and I do hope that you too, have found some strength and comfort and that your treatment is progressing well. My very best wishes to you Frances