Help! Oncotest 12. Chemo or No Chemo

Hi folks, I'm new here and enjoying all the good information.  I am 51, just diagnosed a month ago at age 50 for IDC, node negative ER+, 1.5cm BC and I just received results of Oncotype test today and it is 21.  This puts me in the intermediate risk group.  I haven't read too much on this thread on whether or not many have had this high a number and what they decided to do regarding chemo.  My onco has pretty much left the decision to me, as with this group, it is a big unknown as to whether or not chemo will benefit more vs. risks.  THis is agonizing because had the number put me in the high risk, I would def. have chemo and if it were in the low risk, I would not.  I am in the middle.  Any words of advice and/or encouragement?    She is recommending Carboplatin and Tamotere and Tamoxifen, of course.     What would you do?

 Thanks sisters. 

Dear lisa, If I had pos nodes, or any vascular invasion, that would make me choose chemo, in spite of any low, intermediate or high score.

Good luck to you.

Bevin

In your shoes, I would probably not do chemo, just to avoid the toxic and possible long term effects, but definitely would do the tamoxifen and I would make healthy lifestyle changes.  Exercising regularly has been proven to lower risk, as well as cutting down on alcohol and increasing fruits and veggies.  It's very good that there were no lymph nodes involved.  Do you know the grade?  Are you having lumpectomy or masectomy?  I was diagnosed 4 years ago at age 47.  I had lumpectomy and radiation, then did 3 years of tamoxifen and am now deciding whether to continue on with an aromotase inhibitor.  I don't like the changes that natural menopause has brought, and feel like an AI might make things worse.  If I stop here, I feel that I've done enough already.  I am more about quality of life versus quantity.

Califgirl12 - sorry this is late but I just found this thread.  You mentioned:

 "She was very happy and told me that there are many things that I can do to help reduce that onco number down even further."

 What kinds of things did she say you can do?  I'm guessing exercise and eating healthy but anything else??

You can't reduce your oncotype score, which tells you your chances of having a recurrence, assuming you take tamoxifen for five years, and how much you would benefit from chemotherapy.   You might be able to reduce your chances of recurrence through diet, exercise etc.  I think that is what califgirl's onc meant.

What percentage was your ER/PR ?  Mine was 99% with an oncotype score of 19.  No chemo for me.  MO feels the Tamoxifen is more beneficial with my low grade tumore because of my high horomone receptors.  If I wanted chemo I would have to go to a different MO.  Risks too high (in his opinion).

Thanks for the reply, 12allie. I did decide to have chemo. Started July 5th so I'm in day 6. I can honestly say I think I have the same SE's as you, however, my bone pain and overall body aches have been debilitating. I'm no wimp but day 4 and 5 kicked my butt. I was wondering if these same type and severity of symptoms can be expected each treatment? Do they ever get worse as it goes? Better?



Thanks again....glad to hear you are on 4/4! Best to you.



Lisa

Hey, I just found this thread. Funny, with my oncotype score of 38 chemo was the deal. I didn't get to wonder about the short or longterm side effects. Just hope I'm lucky.

Here's a funny thing: my oncotype said I was >5% ER which they called negative. The test is for ER positive women. Yet my MO's IHC slides showed 30% ER positive. The discrepancy was unsettling. Made me wonder if the 38 was a valid score too! However, being BRCA! pos, grade 3, K176 43, (though nodes clear, hurray) led me to chemo anyway.

Now 3 weeks post last TCH4. Hurray!