Stage 2A, ER+, HER2-, Grade 3 with TAILORx Trial

I think the trial is the one that if you are in the gray area for chemo, they randomize you into chemo or not.... so, what that means is that you will go with whatever recommendation they make based on the randomness...

I assume you had an oncotype test done--- and that you might be in the gray area.  I can only tell you that my bc had not gone into my nodes either-I had clear margins--- and I was  a 27 on the oncotype.  by adding chemo to my treatement, I dropped my risk of recurrence from about 15% to 7% (or something like that-I don't remember completely).  It seemed worth it to me, so I had the chemo.  

How will you feel if you are randomized to the "no chemo' group?  How will you feel if you  are randomized into chemo?  I would give this some thought--- for me, it was about sleeping at night.  what decision would give me the best chance of sleeping soundly at night and not worrying.... for me, that was chemo--- 

We all know how hard a decision this is. Please feel free to ask any questions that might help you in the this process.  

I was 2A, Grade 3, no lymph node involvement, and would have been really nervous NOT to have had chemo. (Especially 'cause it was a grade 3, which meant it was fast growing.) If you haven't had it, get the oncotype, but I wouldn't want to give up the chemo option; in fact, if you are at all in the gray area, I, myself, would want to do the chemo for sure. Good Luck! Ruth

I agree with Ruth.  If you are a stage 2, grade 3, You will likely have chemo. But I would still ask about having the oncotype dx done weather or not you decide to participate in the Tailorx trial.

I have participated in some other studies, but that one just wasn't right for me. 

Hello Yunlee,

I'm wary of your doc already, but with that being said breast cancer is a complicated beast and it's full of decisions that you must live with not your doctor. I am Stage 1, had a very low Oncotype DX score, but still did chemo.

My onc works at one of the top 5 cancer institutions in the country. She said the grade 3 makes her nervous because that means the cancer was aggressive, fast moving, angry and wanted to grow up to be big.  I don't think grade 3 is anything to mess around with.

I trusted my doctor. She told me upfront, whatever your score is I recommend chemo but you can do whatever you can live with.

I took her advice, chemo 4 cycles of AC every 3 weeks, it sucked, I lost my hair, I was tired a lot, but I survived it, once you decide not to do it, you can't go back and do it again. I do not want to scare you, but I am a realist. I don't want to regret my choices. As of right now I know I am doing all I can to prevent this from coming back but I can't control what the future holds, but at least I can look back and say "I did all I could with the information I had."

With that being said, please ask questions because believe it or not doctors can give really bad advice. Doctors can also be pretty complacent with their advice because they do not have to live with the consequences, you do. I hope you choose wisely and good luck. Chemo is very doable and I'm a wimp.....okay, I'm a little tougher than I thought......NOW! Best wishes,

Let's keep letting people know about the truth ladies and fight for a cure!

I'm with these guys; your doctor is making me MAD! He is asking you to make decisions without all the facts and that is NOT right!!! And stage and grade DO matter.....once you are Stage II, it is generally a 'ticket' to chemo, and grade 3 means fast growing and more chance that some micro-cells have escaped into your system, even though they don't show up in the nodes (in which case, chemo is your ONLY chance to catch them!). Chemo isn't fun, but it is doable. I worked the whole time through it. You are young, and you never want to play this game again. I would not do the study, and maybe get a new doctor too!!! Best of Luck! Ruth

There are computerized programs doctors can use to plug in all your information, and calculate what your risk reduction would be if you do various treatment options. I had my oncologist print it all out and brought it to my GP (whom I really trust) for his opinion before I agreed to anything. I think it is always good to get a second opinion; whether formally or informally, as I did. Let us know what you find out. Ruth

Just wanted to say the first question I was asked before being asked to be in the trial was "would you accept chemotherapy?. My answer was Yes! if I need it.  If you answer no they are not supposed to accept you into the trial.  The purpose of the trial is research, not to give the oncotype test for free.  It seems realistic that if chemo is a definite no (no matter the score), then there would be no reason to have the oncotype test.

I agonized over joining the trial, because I wanted to be a help to other women, but at the same time wanted to be sure that if I joined, I would be able to fully participate. 

.  Also Genomic provides financial help for the test, if needed. Normally they will call you, but if not feel free to call them.  They are very kind and accomodating.

MM