I was diagnosed with early stage ER+ breast cancer at age 70. I had a lumpectomy and opted to have 16 rounds of radiation. When I made the decision to have radiation, I did not know that I would be unable to tolerate anastrozole due to its MANY side effects which severely diminished my quality of life. In retrospect, I was glad that I had decided to have the radiation and its potential benefit of reducing my chance of recurrence. For me, the radiation was the easiest part of my treatment. I did not have any side effects from it. I’m feeling well; have not had a recurrence and will soon be 74.
Each one of us has to make difficult decisions as to which treatments to undergo based on many factors. I know that some people, who are diagnosed with late stage cancer, don’t have the same choices. However, if your chance of recurrence is low, you may want to consider radiation, in case you can’t tolerate an aromatase inhibitor.
I wish you good health and all the best in making your decisions.
Becky