Oncotype

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40wDCISnowIDC
40wDCISnowIDC Member Posts: 45

I had UMX and reconstruction and SNB for DCIS, but pathology revealed 3.5 mm IDC in the breast and 1 mm in the node. I was referred to a well regarded oncologist but have to wait longer than I would like for the appointment. It's almost here. Does the oncologist have to recommend oncotype testing, or can I request it? Do I have to ask now? Is it too late? Appointment with oncologist will be 19 days after surgery. Is that a long time?

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited May 2013

    The ONC typically orders the test. Mine did for me. Genomic Labs performed the test on my tumor; I got the results back in 10 days - report was good and it saved me from chemo. ONC was undecided what my treatment plan was going to be based on a micromet in my SN. Used to be automatic chemo - not anymore. I had 33 RADS treatments. The ONC will look at how much you will benefit/or not if you have chemo or rads. That isnt a long time. Mine was longer. If drs think you need immediate appts, etc., they would get you in. Hard to wait - yes it is. They dont like to wait an exceptionally long time after surgery to do chemo or rads but sometimes that happens. I waited a month because of the second surgery. If your ONC doesnt bring it up about the test absolutely ask her about it...good luck...keep us posted. diane

  • Susie123
    Susie123 Member Posts: 804
    edited May 2013

    My onco ordered the oncotype test. I don't think 19 days after surgery is unusual. We want things to happen quickly, like yesterday, but our Drs don't seem to share our extreme sense of urgency. Just ask your onco to order the test at your first visit. The hospital we had our surgeries at apparently store our tumor samples so they are available for tests like this. I know the waiting is so hard, but getting a good onco is extremely important, and worth the wait. Hugs.

  • momof3boys
    momof3boys Member Posts: 896
    edited May 2013

    My Oncotype test was ordered immediately after surgery, so we had the results for my appt with mo about 3 weeks after surgery. I made an appt with mo before surgery for her advice and to review MRI and biopsy pathology. She instructed the surgeon on where she wanted my pathology done post surgery, and ordering the Oncotype. So, we were good to go...

  • MNSusan
    MNSusan Member Posts: 305
    edited May 2013

    I had MammaPrint testing ordered by my breast surgeon about 5 days post op.  The results took two weeks but were back in time for my oncology appointment.  It indicated no need for chemo.  

    Best wishes and good luck to you!

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited May 2013

    My onc agreed to do oncotype testing before bilateral mast surgery.  The prior scans showed only a 1-2 cm tumor, and they only sent a small snippet to Genomics for the onco score.  Score was 11, but after surgery and pos nodes, my onc said there was no question to do chemo.  Even with only 1 pos node, chemo & rads would be standard treatment.  As always though, the decision re treatment is ultimately ours. 

  • heather214
    heather214 Member Posts: 142
    edited May 2013

    Hello,

    Sorry to invade this post, but I wanted to clarify something re: Oncotype testing. One has to be Her2 negative, is that correct? Thank you!

  • jenjenl
    jenjenl Member Posts: 948
    edited May 2013

    Heather - you need to be ER+ to have the test.  I started out ER+ and once we got the Oncotype results back it told me I was actually triple negative.  Happy I got the results otherwise I would have had the wrong chemo.

    Original poster -your MO will order it at your first visit.  I had my results in a week.

  • doxie
    doxie Member Posts: 1,455
    edited May 2013

    heather214, Yes, you must be HER 2-.  And of course ER+.  

  • barcelonagirl
    barcelonagirl Member Posts: 52
    edited August 2013

    While my response is several months after the initial conversation, my route was a bit different.  My surgeon ordered the Oncotype test at the time of my unilateral mastectomy.  In fact, I didn't even remember that there was another facet to my treatment, once I learned that my sentinel nodes were all clear.  I thought reconstruction, and I'm done!  Wrong!  My Oncotype came back 21 (moderate).  My onc recommended the Mammaprint test.  Ten days later, it came back high risk, thus indicating a need for chemo.  So glad for that test, as I was leaning away from the chemo! Started treatment 2 mos after my surgery.

    Dx 8/2012, IDC 1.5cm and 1.6 cm, DCIS in between, Stage 1A, ER+/PR-, HR2-

  • lisa2012
    lisa2012 Member Posts: 652
    edited August 2013

    My oncotype was done after surgery. After 2 weeks- they asked for another sample from the "block" (the had used the biopsy material. )

    Another 1o days. Cane back with 38. However they had me as less than 5% positive which they said could invalidate results, but my MO said our pathology slide said 30% positive. He had it rechecked and swore by it. Being node negative but BRCA pos and doing BMX , I did do chemo. Finished a year ago.

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