Oncotype DX report results

swimangel72

Oncotype DX report results

swimangel72

Hi - A couple of weeks ago I called Genomic Health to ask for a copy of my Oncotype DX report, but they told me my oncologist must give it to me. I keep forgetting to ask. The reason I want a copy is this:   when my Oncotype DX was first sent to them, my oncologist verbally told me my score was "low" and I wouldn't need chemo - just the 5 year supply of Arimidex. Then, the next week, when he received my Fish report showing that I was Her2+, he said my Oncotype DX was "intermediate". This was the first time I asked for the real number.....and the nurse practitioner said it was 23.

I'm not sure why it took me so long to question this......but now I'm saying to myself, "how could my Oncotype score go from "low" to "intermediate" in one week? Somehow I think my onc was fudging the numbers when they first said it was "low".......but if I can get my hands on the report, I'll know for sure.

Does anyone know if the Oncotype DX looks at your Her2 status to determine your recurrence rate - and if so, do they conduct their own Fish test - or do they get those numbers from the California lab that does the Fish test. I'm quite confused - sorry - not that it'll change my treatment outcome. Nothing will change the fact that I am Her2+ (my onc actually had a separate lab check that out) - but I am curious how he changed the results of my Oncotype DX score from "low" to "intermediate" just when he received my Fish results.

Thanks for any help ladies!

FLtricia

Hi Swimangel,

Your oncologist has the report in writing and you have a right to receive a copy of the results.  My doctor handed me a copy at the first appt. I had after results arrived.  Just call and tell them you would like to pick up a copy for your personal records.

My score happened to come back 23.  On the graph they include on the report, 23 is a couple of points lower than mid-intermediate.  This is the infamous grey area where chemo is mostly left up to patient.  The clinical trial they are conducting on intermediate scorers, gives anyone 25 or above chemo, and those below are randomly chosen to either receive chemo or not.  My doctor left it up to me, but said he would recommend it because my tumor was 1.5 cm.  I had the chemo. 

The people at Genomic were really helpful, perhaps you could call and ask about the HER2 status.  I don't know the answer to that.  I was HER2-.

I hope you find your answers soon - not knowing is so frustrating.

Pat

swimangel72

Thanks so much Pat - I think I'll write my oncologist a letter requesting copies of any and all reports, including the Oncotype DX. I sent such a letter to my breast surgeon a month ago, and they still haven't sent me my reports (even when I reminded them in person my last visit.) I know they're busy - but when it takes so long, I get frustrated thinking they either just don't care - or - they don't want me to see the reports.....maybe they're afraid I'll leave and find another doctor? That's a strong possibility ANYWAY - IF they don't send me my reports!