[Debbie L.]

Hi Mama Bexar. That's a really low Ki-67, you'd think it would correlate with a lower grade. Maybe the surgery pathology will shed some light.

Treatment decisions are always hard, but when (like yours), one's situation is unusual, it's even harder. It's not as if your provider can tell you they've looked at thousands of women in your situation and found that "x" is the best treatment. Sometimes it's no fun to be unique.

Re: radiation, I have seen studies about deferring it in older women, because it's possible the toxicities are greater than the benefit. So that recommendation is not surprising. Although didn't you say earlier that they were proposing a short, implanted version of radiation treatment? Now not even that?

Once the pathology is in, it would be a good time for a second opinion. It may not change treatment recommendations (although it could) but it will give you peace of mind, knowing that you had all options on the table. You have mentioned your age and health several times -- might it be possible to get that 2nd opinion from an oncologist who specializes in geriatric oncology? I know you said your case was presented at a cancer conference (do you know which one?), which is helpful -- but again, especially if the operative pathology is different, another opinion could be helpful.

Please keep us posted. Sending good thoughts.

Debbie Laxague