Looking for advice re: hormone treatments
Hello - I am a 77 year old, post-menopausal woman and am new here. I was recently diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast. I've had multiple tests, including CT scans, MRI's, ultrasounds, biopsies, and an Oncotype DX Breast Recurrence test. I had a lumpectomy about a month ago. They removed a 23mm tumor from the right inner quadrant of my right breast. I had not been getting regular mammograms and the tumor was discovered when I broke some ribs.
According to the pathology reports, it was grade 1, all margins negative for invasive carcinoma, with no lymph node involvement. It was HR positive, HER 2 negative, with a K-67 score of 6%, which I believe is considered negative. My Oncotype DX recurrence score was 9, with a distance recurrence score of 3% and a group average absolute chemo benefit score of < 1%. I am scheduled to begin radiation treatments next week (15 treatments over 3 weeks).
Given my test results, my age, and the side effects, I am inclined to take a pass on hormone treatments. I found the "Predict" Breast Cancer tool on this website. It is from Cambridge University in the UK, so I assume it is as reliable as any prediction tool can be. When I entered my results, it basically indicated no benefit to hormone therapy. The 5 and 10 year survival rates with or without hormone treatments for someone my age and condition were basically identical.
I visited a medical oncologist last week and he was fairly insistent on hormone treatment. When I mentioned the side effects he said I should give it a try and he could switch meds if I had a bad reaction. He said if I lived this long with few if any medical issues I would probably live at least another 10 years. Honestly, at my age I'm more concerned with quality of life than longevity. I almost got the impression he was pushing hormone treatments (defensive medicine). Maybe I'm being unfair.
I would appreciate hearing from people in a similar situation and getting their opinions. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
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hello I am 72 recently diagnosed with the exact same. Completed surgery and rafuation.radiation. currently taking anastrozole. Side effects are difficult for me at times. Working out 6 days a week and staying on this mecication.medication.
I also have an ileostomy from 1987 and a stomach cancer called gist that was diagnosed in 2017. I am looking forward wanting to be present for everyone around me. Taking supplements eating better, exercising. I get scans blood work Multiple Dr appointments. I am grateful!
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Hi, @just.meagain and @annesaw! Welcome to Breastcancer.org! It sounds like you're both dealing with some tough decisions, and we're glad you're here so you can connect with others who understand. In our popular "Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After" topic, you can also find members who are going through similar treatments. Feel free to jump in and share your story. 🤗
Best wishes, and we look forward to hearing more from you both!
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