November 2011 Rads

Well, I had my appointment with the MO today. My Oncotype score was 27 (10 year recurrence risk of 18%)  which is in the upper end of the intermediate risk category.  He is recommending chemo but, of course, said it is up to me. No kidding....he really didn't give me any guidance. He is referring me to another doc that does Metformin trials and I have an appointment for a second opinion on Tuesday. I'm so confused as to what to do. My husband does not want me to have chemo because the MO said there will only be a 4% reduction in the recurrence risk ( I think he's more worried about me losing my hair but honestly, so am I). I am so grateful for this website and the support it provides. Thanks, ladies for thinking about me today!

rn4babies - hope your second opinion gives you a more definitive suggestion so that you feel more comfortable making this decision. I still can't believe this is happening to you

Just checking in on the rads ladies....so sorry to hear of the less than favorable follow ups.
rn4babies, I had an onco score that was low and my MO refused to tell me to not take chemo.  I had to go for more opinions to get anyone to say I wouldn't benefit sufficiently.  (3 drs. total)
I get the feeling the MOs do not want to tell anyone not to take it just in case of a recurrence or undiagnosed mets.  But in the long run, I think too many are getting chemo in certain groups.
My daughters wanted me to take it as "insurance" but I felt OK to skip it.  I still worry a lot about the other side, bones, etc.....but I guess we all do.
Hugs and prayers for you and for ptdreamers - sorry you have to have this stress.
Make your best decisions and have peace.
Best wishes,

Joan

kjaday, It is so great to know that year is behind you....I'm thinking there were times when you thought you wouldn't be able to do it.  Hugs and prayers for your mammo....it is a wonderful thing to find out that you remain cancer free.  That's my wish for you.
Joan

Great news kdajay!

I got a second opinion from a fabulous MO at a teaching facility. She was so patient and extensively reviewed all my records. She even caught a typo in my pathology report that my BS and first MO didn't. She called the pathologist right there and had it clarified.  My oncotype score of 27 was enough but she also was taking into consideration my age (48), Grade 3, PR neg, my prior hx and family hx. She's strongly recommending TC x4. I don't want to go back to my onco but he runs the chemo facility that I have to go to because of my insurance. She also ordered a PET/CT scan which I had done on Friday. I can't believe this is happening but I do want to be around to see my son get married and have children some day.  I'm worried about work and of course the dreaded hair loss. She said to me "You WILL lose your hair and it WILL grow back" I have thick shoulder-length hair. I figured I probably won't be getting rads again until August. Until then, I'll probably be on the chemo forum. Thanks to all who were thinking about me!

kdajay,
so good to hear your mammo is clear.  It is what we all can hope for.
Sending good thoughts your way today.
Joan

rn4babies - my thoughts are with you. Having gone through chemo (and losing my hair that hadn't been cut - other than trims - for 40 years)  I know you have a tough road ahead. You can get through this! The hair loss was hard but I can tell you that 6 months after chemo I have a full head of hair and my perspective has changed a little...hair is just hair. Losing it was traumatic but I survived and so will you. Sending you hugs and only good thoughts - and stop back in occasionally to let us know how you are doing! We are here for you.