Not sure if we need chemo, please reply

chrisriehl

Hello, my mother just got diagnosed with stage1 grade 3 breast cancer.  We don't know what we are doing and I am looking for some answers, please, anything would help.  She just had surgery to remove the tumor last week and we found out it was lymph node negative today thank god.  Now the oncologist is talking about the onco test.  Is this rest really that reliable.  Chemo seems like a lot to go through for preventative reasons.  Her mother passed shortly after chemo due to advanced leukemia and she is deathly afraid of it.  How reliable is the oncotytedx test.  Excuse me if I sound like I don't know much.  I am just trying to learn what I can.  She also had stomache cancer about 6 years ago and with the radiation there has been no reoccurences.  Can someone shend some light on our situation.  Some outside opinions would really go a long way.  I don't kow how to check responses on this website so hopefully I can find your response, thanks for your time.

cookiegal

I have two threads on this in the idc forum.

There are several booklets on decision making,I mention one of them there, and the oncotype test is a significant tool.

Good luck!

cookiegal

I have two threads on this in the IDC forum.

There are several booklets on decision making,I mention one of them there, and the Oncotype test is a significant tool.

Good luck!

pj12

The OncotypeDX is one part of what goes in to a plan for treatment.  You should be able to sit down with her doctor and discuss all her options.  Will she have radiation?  Is her cancer ER+?  What stage and grade is her cancer?   How is her general health?  How old is she?

There are "programs" that her individual statistics can be entered in to that will show how much she would benefit from all different approaches.  Her doctor should explain all options to her.  Also, is she now seeing a medical oncologist?  The surgeon is not really the one to plan her treatment course although it happens that way sometimes.  An oncologist might be willing to discuss all options at greater length.

Good luck and how great that your mom has you there for her.

pam