Do I need chemo?

iedh

I just got bc IDC 3,3cm, grade 1 ER/PR+ 100%, inside there is DCIS 2cm,grade 2 and 1 sentinel node positive micrometastase. I will get radiation 20 times and chemo AC 4times, taxol 12 times and hormone terapi tamoxifen for 5-7years. Should I refuse chemo if my mammaprint result low? I need suggestion. Thank

Runrcrb

The chemo decision is 100% yours to make. I had a few more positive nodes than you and low likelihood of recurrence indicators from the mammaprint. My oncologist recommended a lighter chemo regimen that what you listed in your post. I had more radiation (35). Again, your treatment plans should include your input - don't let anyone bully you. Do your own research (National Institute of Health rather than general Dr Google) and don't hesitate to get a second opinion.

Peregrinelady

Has your dr. said anything about an Oncotype test to see if you would benefit from chemo?

moth

I think I would want an Oncotype DX test. Decisions regarding chemo also partly depend on your age. The younger you are, the more aggressive the treatment to try to reduce the odds of recurrence.

Hopeful82014

We don't know your age,which may affect your MO's recommendation. However, in general you should definitely ask for the Oncotype DX in this situation.

It's also important to confirm that your MO is basing your treatment under the newly revised (2018) staging system for breast cancer. One very important point to keep in mind is that micromets in a sentinel node are NOT considered "node positive." ONLY macromets are considered in that category.

It does look as though your radiation plan is based on the newer protocol (20 rounds vs. 35) which is a good sign. However, unless you're young or have other compelling risk factors the chemo regimen seems pretty aggressive to me but that's just me. I don't know the facts of your diagnosis. From what I do see, in your shoes I would ask for the Oncotype and/or Mammaprint before making a decision. Also - press your MO to keep answering questions until YOU are satisfied. Good luck.

Meow13

With a positive node, not sure how to advise you. You are grade 1, you should have an oncodx or mammoprint test. The radiation should take care of lingering local cancer cells. But if cancer cells got into your blood stream you may want to consider chemo. I would want to know how effective chemo would be on your low grade cancer, if you were grade 3 I think chemo would be more effective.

MexicoHeather

I think I'd have the chemo.

Moderators

iedh, we're just checking in to see how you're doing since you haven't posted again since your first post. Have you talked to your doctor about the Oncotype test, as suggested? You can find some more information on what this and other genomic tests mean on the main Breastcancer.org site's page on Oncotype DX Test.

We hope this helps and we look forward to hearing back from you!

--The Mods

iedh

Yes, im waiting for the result now. Thanks

vampeyes

The ladies are right, this is 100% your decision to make, iedh. Did you have any lymph nodes positive? For me, my MO felt that with my lowish oncotype score and no lymph involvement chemo would not benefit me. He said that the Tamoxifen would do what the chemo would do. I did radiation and now on Tamoxifen. It's definitely a hard decision to make, I think if mine had been in the lymph nodes I would have done chemo, throw everything at it before it becomes mets.

{HUGS}

Peregrinelady

iedh, did you get your results and what did you decide?

iedh

Hi Peregrinela..Yes mamamaprint is low risk-luminal A..i dont get chemo

Peregrinelady

👍

Dogwood1

I was just diagnosed and in a similar position. I am also waiting on test result but if it comes back low he is not recommending chemo. My tumor was 2.2 with a micro metastisis-.9 in 1 of the 2 sentinel nodes. I start my 20 treatments of radiation on 9/4 and have oncologist appointment on 9/10 to discuss test results. If low I will just start hormonal therapy (Letrozole) after radiation.