Hi, 86 YO Female with severe lower back; pain radiates down left leg causing numbness and pain. Has been treated with shots (steroids?) and has had acupuncture. Exercises as best she can. Also undergoing chemo for breast cancer (herceptin) and some other type of pill. Doctor mentioned lumbar laminectomy or uninstrumented fusion but suggested waiting until after chemo and having an MRI to determined if healthy and strong enough and if advised by primary. Has other health issues (heart, recent had cataract surgery and recovering), but has always been active. Is this type of surgery typically performed on persons of this age. Thank you Daughter