Has anyone been told they don't qualify for onco test?

My stats are almost the same as yours, I had the test and came back at 12.

But there are others out there with the same stats and came back higher, I would push for the test for your peace of mind.

Beanpole,

Upon reading your post and the responses, I would probably take a step back and ask your doctor why she did not recommend chemo in your case. Because if she gives you an answer you are satisfied with and you decide against chemo, then the oncotype test becomes a moot point. If her answer still leaves you uncertain, then at that point you can tell her that getting that test might give you extra information for your own peace of mind before making your own decision. I think any reasonable oncologist should agree to that. The oncotype test has its vulnerabilities (mostly because it's new and there is no long term data on its predictive power yet), but so does everything, and it might be the extra variable you need.

Yes, I was told this. Because, in my case, the dangers of chemo outweighed the benefits (chemo can kill, you know)

And so far, no problems.

I second 1Athena1's recommendation of asking your doctor "why" she is saying no chemo.

It is my understanding that the slow growing (grade 1) tumors (in general) do not respond well to chemo and since you are highly ER+, it is most likely that hormonal therapy would be much more effective.  Maybe you have a low Ki67 as well (how quickly your tumor cells are dividing).

My onc had me take the oncotype test because I was "borderline" for chemo.  Although I had a high ER+, <2cm, no nodes ~  I was also high ki67, grade 2 (1st path said grade 3).  My onc wanted to use the oncotype test (as ONE part of the deciding factor) to help decide which side of the fence I would feel most comfortable. .... perhaps your onc feels you are firmy on the no-chemo side of the fence.  

Because of the size of my tumor I was told It would be a waste of time and probably could not be done (3.8mm). I said send it anyway- if there is a problem they'll say so.

It came back a "1" and I try to use this number to calm my fears.

Good luck

CR

I was Stage 1b, Grade 1, <1cm, ER+/PR+, HER2-.  No node involvement. My Dr. felt confident that I would have a low DX score, and was gobsmacked when it came back 30! He said that I was an example of why they do the test.

ER+ tumours don't respond well to chemo. Especially slow growing ones. If they aren't in the 'growing' phase when chemo hits them, it does nothing. They have to be actively growing for the chemo to kill them as the chemo is looking for activity. Slow growing tumours won't benefit.

Another thing to consider is that the oncotype testing is based on the fact that you WILL take Tamoxifen for 5 years. If you're not going to do it, there's no point of the test! The Tamoxifen is factored into the score.

I know this post is going to upset ladies that were ER+ and had chemo, but I did a lot of research when diagnosed and knew I wasn't going to be given chemo and I was right! Even my doc said to 'save the big guns until next time'! That time may be nigh as I am waiting for the results of a supraclavicle nodes biopsy!!!

My score was 20 and tamoxifen was not factored into it. I did the chemo before I got the onco test because my first onc was an ass an did not order it, but that is another long drawn out story. Did the chemo because I had a tumor that was nearly three centimeters and a grade 3. My new onc said she would have suggested chemo with the score I got. The onco test determines the chance for recurrance. With chemo and tamox my recurruance rate is now 7% instead of 20%. So they say.

It is inaccurate to say that the whole point of the onctoype test is to factor in tamoxifen.  It is more accurate to say that the recurrence score assumes five years of tamoxifen and gives you the additional benefit (or lack of benefit) you would get from chemo.  The point of the oncotype test is to determine the benefit of chemo. 

Barb, I totally agree with you.  But it is a matter of degree...re-read my post.

Hmm. If that is 32% was your score, I don't see how you can get an onco type score WITHOUT the Tamox already factored in. But if that's the case, your risk goes up to 24%. Half of 16 is 8.