The Age Factor

Hi arpie,
I assure you that I have no wish to rush to my grave!! My brother said to me once 'Don't judge me for the length of my life but for its breadth' He passed away at 67yrs.
I think what I am musing over is that I do have a choice, it is my decision, I don't aspire to a long life that compromises my well-being. Be well, 

Hi Cath62, 
Thank-you for you expressing your thoughts and experience, and as you say the questioning whether to treat or not, or for how long to treat, faces us all.
I have a good life, which I am very grateful for, and I have experienced things which as a child I would have never imagined. My sister passed away from metastatic breast cancer when she was 57yrs of age and perhaps being with her has influenced my thinking...residual anger that the treatment did not save her. Perhaps I should talk to someone!! Be well,

I love life and no matter the age I would do anything to continue on. Be grateful for treatment as it will give you opportunity to enjoy your life. You will get through it. Have you had any counselling? Some people get a bit depressed with cancer treatment so be careful you're not sliding down that dark place. Life is so great if you want it to be and treatment is there to give you that life. You could get through this and be fighting fit for years. 

I think we have all wondered why do it. I think will all wonder about getting through treatment or not doing treatment but as someone who did treatment and unfortunately now is metastatic, I have no regret and I will go on and keep having treatment for the rest of my life. I am 62 and I am hoping I live for many many years and they find many more treatments for me. Best wishes 

A friend in her mid 80s felt the same way but did what she was told - spent her final months having the treatments and died anyway.  Her family felt she should have just taken pain medication as needed towards the end but had some quality of life before that point.
You are not alone in your thinking at all.
People have different lives and reasons to push on through, not all think they "wouldn't be dead for quids".
You can only do what you feel right is for you at this time.  Do you have family supports ?
You are stronger than you think, though, and this phase will pass !

Hi @Molly5 

I was 65 when diagnosed (71 now) and wouldn't be dead for quids.  I was lucky & didn't need chemo ... 

It can be a tough ask to do the chemo treatment ... but with the help of your Chemo Nurses, they should be able to help abate most side effects. 

I found that the radiation was fairly 'easy' (just let the nurses know if you see any skin breakdown & keep the lotions & potions up to it after each session ...) 

The hormone blockers don't affect everyone badly - so you can always just give them a 'go' and if they don't suit, then in discussion with your Onc, consider a break! 

 But it is the mix of the treatment that is most likely to give us many more years of life, which hopefully, will be long & prosperous!!  ;) 

I think your  general health and agility and support network (other than the current cancer treatment) is a factor in this as well .... and maybe if I was already in my 80s, I would think twice re aggressive treatment .... time will tell.

take care