Breast cancer-free anniversaries

I've not yet heard of someone offered radiation OR aromatase inhibitors. In theory these are both valid treatment protocols, as is chemo when it's appropriate. Depending upon the risk of recurrence that your oncologist thinks applies in your situation, the Letrozole may be a good idea to at least try. Even better, a second opinion from another oncologist might be helpful with that decision also. I declined aromatase inhibitors for a few reasons specific to my health but it was reassuring that two oncologists supported that decision and didn't see it as risky.

Reading the details of clinical trial TAILOR RT for more information. That said I was not suggested either radiation or AI. It was AI only or both. As my BC characteristics are estrogen positive AI was ALWAYS strongly recommended. I’m in my 7th month and no obvious side effects.

FYI: Radiation is local/regional for anything left behind after surgery ( which could become systemic at some point if travels into lymph system).

AI is systemic and starves ER+ BC of the needed estrogen to survive.

My age is was a definite factor. I am 72 ( not 73 as I stated). I guess I felt like I aged an additional year this year!

You are right, in that they actually told me I could choose no treatment, radiation or AI, or both. They sited studies, considering my age, test results and history.
Thanks for responding🥰

Yes, I’m all organic all the way… the problem with almond milk … which I am using in smoothies right now.. is that the calcium is added…I'm trying to find food based calcium vs supplemental calcium sources.

I am getting ready this January for my second year of breast cancer freedom. As it looms, I get nervous, but I am on a healing journey, have lost 65 pounds this past year, and looking after me for the first time in my 69 years! I have a very good feeling it will be just fine!

Happy to hear this. I opted out of AIs as I had terrible side effects reactions, and now follow a whole food plant based no oil diet. I have never felt better in my 69 years of life. I have lost 65 pounds and I get out for a hike every other day! Never felt better.... and I still cannot bend my finger after the AIs. That was 2 years ago. But I mange anyway.

This is very true and extremely hard! I am try for 1000-1200 mg a day… hard to get in your diet naturally with no dairy!

My celebration is daily… as a 10 year survivor of breast cancer… and a survivor of over 21 years of bladder cancer !! At age 85, I am grateful….need I say that smoking for over 50 years contributed / caused my first cancer. I had outstanding care ( early immunotherapy ) at our only state comprehensive cancer center for the 1st cancer , and continued their quality care for the mastectomy in 2012. Life is Good ! @ hjtkyhl

Life is good !

Aha, a hair question. As someone whose stylists complain has 'too thick' but healthy hair, here's some of what I learned while keeping it that way.

Biotin Forte (brand name) was recommended on some post-chemo website and got great reviews on Amazon. A male friend stopped losing hair when I gave him a few bottles when he was in physical rehab for several months after an accident. I use it but haven't noticed a big difference but also haven't lost hair while getting old-er.

There are two Biotin Fortes on the market the last time I checked. The recommended one has zinc as well as Biotin. Another product that some people swear by Viviscal (sp?). It is also biotin-based but costs a lot more.

Alternatively, look for any good 'hair, skin and nails' supplement (from a reputable, established manufacturer) that includes biotin, zinc, silica and trace minerals. Also, use a clarifying shampoo once every few weeks to help prevent the build-up of hair product residue on scalp and hair follicles. Then once a month or so if still using a lot of hair products, especially anything with silicones and other non-water-soluble ingredients.

Try to use simple-formula, water soluble shampoos that clean hair but rinse thoroughly. Trader Joe's sells a body-and-hair 'shampoo' that seems to work well. Don't use Wen or similar 'clean and condition' 'one-products' unless checking them against FDA consumer complaints lists. [Wen is the target of multiple class action lawsuits for causing balding.] I'm a fan of Ketastase shampoos. They clean well with a very small amount of shampoo and fully rinse out.

There are a lot of new peptide-based products for hair and scalp that seem to help. Deciem's The Ordinary's hair and scalp peptide stuff gets solid reviews and is under $20. Worth a try and free-shippinh on orders over $25. I was curious, tried it for a week then forgot, and my hairdresser later noticed a small clump of 2" long hair where I'd been applying it. It can't hurt to try it and Deciem has a really generous return policy. [I'm a fan of their no-frills products that include a healthy amount of active ingredients and no nonsense.]

The less stress on hair the better. If you're not already using one, a Wet Brush is a necessity. The less heat damage the better so, if you can, air-dry after shampooing. Or wrap in large microfiber towel to dry. Wet hair is somewhat fragile so the less done to it, the better.

I've never done this, but a natural blonde friend only cleans her hair with a baking-soda-and-water slurry and has beautiful hair. She said it took a month or so of a rough period of adjustment. These are some ideas that might help...

The NCCN's newest guidelines recommend an oncologist consider not recommending radiation for women over 70 with certain early stage breast cancers. I think, but don't know, that the revised guideline reflects the fact that certain cancers grow more slowly in older women and can be adequately treated with drugs. The NCCN is continually revising guidelines for certain cancers in an effort to correct from what it now considers 'over treatment' in the past.