ONCOTYPE HELL, PLS ADVISE

NizD

This is my first post, pls be gentle

May 8th, 3 tumors IDC and a load of DCIS, removed with bilateral mastectomy 5/25/17 in nipple sparing mastectomy. I am stage 1, n0. ER/PR+ HER-. Tumor grade intermediate, KI-67 scores range from 20-50. Negative BRAC tests. No health issues/risks. I'm 42 yrs old.Everything looks really good down there!

ONCOTYPE results are in: 24. This report gives you a 5 yr risk of recurrence /mortality for 5 yrs of tamoxifen v 5 yrs of tamoxifen and chemo. Mine say tamoxifen alone: 14%. Tamoxifen + Chemo 13%.

Am I to assume that this means that chemo isn't worth it?

And if that is true, what could help bring down that mortality percentage? Perhaps that's where ovarian suppression/removal comes in?

Thanks so much in advance. I'm alone and freaking out.

kira1234

I was 24 as well NizD chemo was recommended for me at the age of 57. Chemo isn't fun but doable. You can see my stats. My breast surgeon and I were so surprised when mine came up that high. Just know your best defense will be tamoxifen or one of the ALS.

carmstr835

My oncotype was 16 and 19. But I still opted for chemo. I believe I did the right choice with my cancers.

Sjacobs146

My oncotype came in at 23, the dreaded intermediate score. My doc recommended chemo due to positive node and my relatively young age at diagnosis (48). Many factors go into the decision of whether to have chemo or not. If I had not had a positive node, or been older, or had a lower oncotype score, I would likely not have had chemo. What is your doc recommending?

Anonymous

I was a 21 with a 14% recurrence risk score (which I prefer to think of as an 86% NO recurrence score lol). My doctor said the middle score zone is an area where they don't think chemo will be helpful but they aren't sure so it was my choice. I chose not to have chemo. My reasons:

• I didn't think the 1% improvement in risk was worth the side effects
• I was almost 50 at diagnosis
• I don't have any children of my own so quality of life is more important to me than throwing everything I can at it
• I was stage 1a with no positive nodes
• I was already mad that I was going to be a cancer survivor or a cancer victim; I didn't need everyone at work to know that too.

It's a personal decision based on many factors. There are no right or wrong answers, and once you make a decision, you just own it and move forward. ;-)

Janeway10

Have you talked to an oncologist yet? I'm having a similar dilemma. My oncotype is 17 but o had 4 positive lymph nodes. I'm seeing my oncologist on Monday. I understand your concerns. Sorry I don't have any real answers for you but wanted you to know you are not alone.

ml143333

You can look at my stats in my signature line, but my Oncotpye score came back at 23. I decided to throw everything I could at cancer so I went through chemotherapy.