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Over 70 years old starting Chemo

Posted by Glori @elvandi, Nov 5, 2017

I am 75 yrs old and had a left breast Mastectomy and now it has been suggested to start chemo and then hormonal pill therapy. My Onco test was at 34, which is considered high. I feel that I am now strong enough at this time to undergo Chemo. Has anyone over 70 been thru Chemo and was able to handle or not handle this treatment. There is not sufficient data showing that this age group can benefit from Chemo, and that the hormonal pill is as sufficient, without getting Chemo treatments. Would like thoughts from this senior age group.

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Molly MIller | @mollymiller | Jul 5, 2018
In reply to @karoki "Hi Glori I live inCape Town South Africa. At 70 I was diagnosed with aggressive ovarian..." + (show)
@karoki

Hi Glori
I live inCape Town South Africa. At 70 I was diagnosed with aggressive ovarian cancer which had spread to lymph nodes and my omentum.
I had a hysterectomy and 6 sessions of chemotherapy with three weeks in between each session.
I was surprised that getting the chemotherapy through a drip for two hours every three weeks was fine. I sat in a lounger reading or chatting with fellow patients in a big light room with experienced caring nurses. There is no pain associated with it.
The next days or so I was tired and sometimes nauseous. They give you anti nausea pills to take with you. You can also take medical marijuana if your state allows, against nausea.
It is a journey that has an end point.
I also went on a diet, which I am still on, of no breads, milk products, sugar products, preserved or smoked foods. Also vitamin c drips every two weeks and anti cancer supplements.
I have just come home from hospital after a preventative double mastectomy because I and my children carry the BRCA2 gene.
I am now 72.
It is easier I think if you have a support system.
Go for if you can.
Life is a precious gift. I want to know that I have done as much as I can to preserve my life, when I die.
Wishing you strength
Love from across the oceans
Dawn

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Dawn ~Excellent explanation and support! What a great attitude ~ I am certain that the optimism helps. Your chemo sounds as though it was not so bad. Wishing you continued good health. It sounds as though you are on what we call the "Keto Diet"? I have a friend whho has done remarkably well on it.

REPLY
zamazoe | @zamazoe | Aug 21, 2019

Thank you for your encouragement, my mom is 72 years old, she just recently started with Chemo, and its has been hard on us as a family. Reading your encouragement has given me hope. Thank you

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 21, 2019
In reply to @zamazoe "Thank you for your encouragement, my mom is 72 years old, she just recently started with..." + (show)
@zamazoe

Thank you for your encouragement, my mom is 72 years old, she just recently started with Chemo, and its has been hard on us as a family. Reading your encouragement has given me hope. Thank you

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Hi @zamazoe, welcome to Connect. How is your mom doing with chemo? Is she having chemo before surgery or did she already have surgery?

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