Chemo or No Chemo

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jennywong88
jennywong88 Member Posts: 10
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

I was recently diagnosed with stage 2a, tumour size 1.2 cm with 1 sentinel lymph node involvement, ER/PR +, HER2 -. My onco in Malaysia suggested for chemo based on the std protocol however my breast surgeon suggested to do onco type dx in view of the small tumour size and 1 lymph node involvement. He also suggested to use Zoladex injection for 2 years plus Tamoxifen for 5 years instead on chemo. As onco type dx is not covered under my insurance, I will have to pay MYR14k to know if the chemo benefits me. My objective is to get the best treatment and to minimise the side effect of the chemo which I heard it will damage other internal organ. I'm confuse. Please share your opinion.

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  • Pessa
    Pessa Member Posts: 519
    edited January 2012

    I believe that the Oncotype test assumes that one has negative nodes.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited January 2012

    I suggest get an opinion from another oncologist. They should be able to tell you the potential survival percentage benefits of each of the treatments; chemo and hormone therapy. Also what percentages ER and PR is your tumour? (This should be on your post surgery pathology report). All this information may also help in making your decision.



    You can come back here with the additional info for further advice.

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  • mebert
    mebert Member Posts: 14
    edited January 2012

    Talk to more doctors about your specific pathology report. Make sure they answer all your questions.

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  • SheChirple
    SheChirple Member Posts: 954
    edited January 2012

    Yes, OncoDx presumes negative nodes. It is $4,ooo US dollars.  If you are a US Citizen, living in Mylasia, the American Cancer Society may be able to help with the cost, if it is appropriate for you.

    Always ask for a second opinion on such an important decision.

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  • jennywong88
    jennywong88 Member Posts: 10
    edited January 2012

    Thank you for all the feedbacks. I've decided to go for chemo instead and scheduled it on 30 Jan, after Chinese New Year. My ER and PR is more than 50%. I'm afraid that the cell may have travelled to other nodes which it cannot be seen under microscope.

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