Oncotype DX score of 29

Jcolby

I met with two oncologists today, and was told my score was 29. I'm right on the edge of high risk. After reviewing all the charts, and hearing the results of studies that have been done with various treatments, they said the decision was mine to make at this point. So, after very little thought I decided not to do chemo and just go for radiation and hormone therapy. My age (70), my good health, and the very small percentage of risk reduction with chemo made this a pretty easy decision, not to mention the side effects. He said tamoxifin is rarely used anymore, and recommended Arimidex , and a couple others I can't remember. I got tattooed today, practiced breathing, had a scan, and will start radiation on Nov 29. So relieved to almost have this all behind me. And grateful my score wasn't any higher.

Hopeful82014

Jcolby, I'm glad you were able to make your decision so readily. Good luck with the rest of your treatment.

PS - If you start moisturizing your skin today it may help as you go through radiation. One of my radiation nurses made that suggestion after my simulation and I have to say that my skin did great. Whether there was cause and effect, who knows but it can't hurt.

Jcolby

Hopeful, thanks for the suggestion. Today, the radiation techs told me not to moisturize until I have a meeting with the nurse on the 29th. There are several stickers on my midriff, so I'm thinking this is the area they want me to avoid. What type of moisturizer did you use?

Hopeful82014

That's odd, but I'll bet you're right about them wanting the stickers to remain in place.

I used very pure aloe vera juice blended with Boiron Calendula lotion. It went on easily and had basically no fragrance. I used a lot of the aloe vera during radiation, as well as Emu oil. since then I've been alternating between coconut oil and the Calendula lotion as my skin LOOKED normal again very quickly but has a tendency to be dry and irritable if I don't keep it moisturized.

I think you could probably do everywhere except for right around the stickers without creating any problems.

I hope this helps!