Anyone over 80 with HER2/neu positive stage IIa breast cancer?

I'm only 69, but I declined chemo due to low "cure" rate and many co-morbities., including kidney disease which made the whole thing very dicey. Of course only you can decide. If you are over 80 you must certainly know yourself well and can trust your inclinations. Maybe also talk to a friend or trusted family member--someone who cares more about you than their own opinion? Although this isn't exactly what you asked, I've been delighted not to be in chemo since my diagnosis--and it has allowed me the energy to do some traveling, be with my family, and kind of settle down within myself. My long range prognosis is poor--but that is with or without various treatments. At first I felt super guilty about my choice, and doctors made me feel ignorant. Some extended family members were very critical. But for me it is about having the freedom to make a decision after a lot of deliberation--and I've never regretted this for one minute. Sending you all my best, and wishing you peace of mind.

At 75, I started my HER2 + stage 2B journey with chemo, surgery, radiation (because of very small margins) and further chemo (because there were cancer cells remaining in the removed tissue). I felt very healthy at the beginning so I was ok with the treatment plan. I was tired throughout the treatment and a short nap each day allowed me to continue my life style. It's 2 years later and I am still very active and enjoying my favorite people and things. This was the right decision for me and I hope you will be happy with your choices too.

cathy1941
I am 81 and had the surgery and radiation, they wanted me to take
the pill for 5 years. I turned it down, I wanted quality of life, hope for
the best.! now I have to have a colonoscopy, my colo guard came back
positive. when you hit 80 all kinds of things start happening!!!!!
marcia115

I am so sorry you are having to experience all these negative imputes. I am 92 and just diagnosed with MGUS. Believe me, I have had enough physical problems, I probably should be dead by now, but as the previous writer stated GOD MAKES THE DECISIONS. We will not leave this earth one day earlier than he determines we should go. Look for all the things that are important to you and make you happy and let GOD worry about everything else. He is right beside you, he loves you, and he will care for you.
Gina5009

@maggieb892 I hope you are still doing well. My HER2-NEU pos, ERneg/PRneg stage IIb xcr was diagnosed in 2005 and has not returned. I was 50 at the time of diagnosis. I'm absolutely not an expert, but you are certainly handling life well. Keep it up!

@quichewithmayo
Thank you. Yes I'm still doing well. The aging of my body is throwing curve balls and that is expected. Cataract surgery and hearing aids are my current dilemmas. Still walking and exercising

@marcia115 That's for sure. I need an in -person support group for "Life begins at 80!" I never knew I had so many places for aches and pains. And it seems weekly something else goes wrong. I'm on the five year plan for colonoscopies. I have a searing pain in my neck and shoulder that won't go away. I'm still on the aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer. I don't eat but still gain weight. I don't have energy to walk or exercise like I should. I need cataract surgery. My teeth are decaying and my dentist is getting rich off of implants. It's a lot of work to keep on living, but I'm determined to make it to 100, as my mother did.

Sometimes these decisions are very hard. WE all have to do the best we can at the time, in deciding what path we want to follow. I was 84 when my breast cancer was diagnosed. Mine was positive but also a grade 3. My Onco score was 37 which is considered high, meaning high risk for recurrence. I never expected I would be told chemo was recommended. I had to think about it for a couple of weeks. Had another long talk with the oncologist and decided to go for chemo. I had 4 rounds. Now on Exemestane daily. Here I am at 86. The normal aging stuff is happening, but was starting before the chemo. I am as active as possible. Just finished co-directing a theater production, starting another. Helps to keep the mind busy. An injury to my hip has slowed me down and that has been the problem with lifestyle. Whatever decision you make, you don't owe anyone any explanation such as well meaning neighbors or friends and family. Your life, live it the way you want. We are all members of a sisterhood of people who wish this never happened. But, it did. Acceptance can be the first battle and may last a while. Live each day with gratitude is my saying these days. Helps. I am not perfect at it but try.

If anyone lives in Phoenix we could have a support group---does anyone live here?
marcia115