Stage 3-Mother-in-law

My 80 year old mother-in-law just had a mastectomy on her right breast.  She has been diagnosed with Stage 3 and doesn't want to have chemo or radiation.  She is in great health otherwise.  What is your recommendation at this age?  What should we expect if she refuses this treatment?

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Since your mother-in-law doesn't want to undergo chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the next option would be hormonal therapy using either  tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane).  There are oral drugs taken daily.  Since your mother-in-law is already postmenopausal, aromatase inhibitors would be better.  But she can still be given tamoxifen.  
Perhaps you should discuss this option to her oncologist.  Consider also the risks and benefits of treatment.
Good luck.