OncoType DX

I fell into the intermediate category with Grade 2 and Oncotype dx score 17...which I thought was low but apparently not. I did 4 rounds of Taxotere and Cytoxan and do not regret it at all. The only regret I had was for the $3500 bill I received from getting the Onco test done which seemed meaningless. It really didnt help me and I listened to the advice of all my doctors.

Before the Oncotype test they went based on your grade..with grade 3 being more aggressive I would go for the chemo. If your tumor is HER+ I dont think your docs will give you a choice.

There are lots of good threads on this website to help you through it. The worst side effect I experience was extreme fatigue...oh and hair loss.

I got a lot of diet information from National Cancer Institute website to help me through.

PROTEIN PROTEIN PROTEIN...cant get enough of it during treatment...it truly helped me keep counts up. I was very cautious about what I ate and never got sick.

Good luck in whatever your decision!!

Diane

I was 39 at diagnosis with Oncotype of 8. I did have nodes microscopically involved but would have done chemo regardless. I have three kids (12, 10 and 7) and I never wanted to have to look into their eyes and say "I wish I had done 'xyz'"...I want them to know I've left NO stone unturned in my efforts to prevent recurrence. Trust me...chemo is awful...but you can do it. With grade 3 you really should consider it heavily.

Hi!

 Here is a link to where this was discussed, including my response.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/71/topic/763752?page=1#idx_21

All the best to you.