Oncotype DX questions!

Mine was intermediate at 21. I am post-menopausal. There is also another genomic test called the mammaprint. I did not take that one. I'm not sure how they compare to one another. I decided on chemo bc I am otherwise healthy and wanted to give myself the best chance possible. Good luck on your decision and results!

Hi ToughCookie,

It sucks getting a 19! I had that score as well, and had LVI too. My onc would have supported me either way. He left it up to me. I went to Dana Farber in Boston for a second opinion. I ended up doing chemo because of the LVI, I was 45 at dx. the TC is doable. If my cancer comes back, I cant say it was because I skipped the chemo. If I would have been neg for LVI, I probably would have gone with surgery and Tami. Good luck, its a hard decision. (((hugs)))

Toughcookie: I chose to do BMX for a couple of reasons. First I had a lumpectomy back in my twenties on the right side that was benign so I had many mammos over then next 10 years to check on that area because I was so young. Mammos have always been really painful for me. I would get bruises down my side and on my sternum. This go round my cancer was dectected on the left.My BS ordered a MRI just in case because of my history. It came back neg on the right but I just had a gut feeling to have it removed as well and my BS agreed. Low and behold they found a second IDC in the right breast as well. So actually I had two oncotypes done. Left was 19 and right was a 5. Treatment is based on the worst tumor stats so I chose to do the chemo. I did not have to do rads though due to the BMX.

Lindsey,

I struggled with the chemo decision as well. At a 17 oncotype I was getting a 1-2 percent benefit according to my MO, not the 3-5 percent that you are getting. For me, it was the strong conviction of the Dana Farber Dr. That I wouldn't benefit from chemo at all ,even with my positive node. Every one else's opinion was so wishy washy. I am super diligent with nutrition, exercise and see a naturopathic MD as well. So trying to give myself an edge. I am on month 8 of tamoxifen. No major problems.

I still live knowing I had a somewhat aggressive cancer but am at peace with the no chemo decision.

Everyone is different. Good luck with your decision. You will make the right one.

Lindsey and Sister...I feel your pain wrestling with what to do. It is a tough decision. Some people will tell you throw everything at the BC no matter what and others will say the benefit vs the SEs of chemo is not worth it. Only you can decide which is best for you. There are no right or wrong answers because I am sure doctors could make an argument for going either way. I had the Oncotype test and my score was 11. I had Stage 2, Grade 1 IDC with a micromet in the SN. The grade level is low and I think that is a factor in deciding what to do as well. I have a friend who had BC that was non-invasive but the grade level of the tumor was 3 so doctors were very aggressive in treatment. What you don't want to do is make a decision and second guess yourself or look back and wish you had....It is a very difficult and emotional decision no question about it and its okay sister that you cry at the drop of a hat. We all have and still do. It is a very emotional time. Whatever decision you guys make make it your own after all it is your body and your life. Keep the faith and keep us posted. diane

Lindsay,

Good for you! You have made your decision. Go have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon. Try not to think about BC and enjoy your moment!!!

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!  Congratulations!

Good luck with rads. I did 6 weeks and the another week of boosts. It wasn't that bad. Eat healthy, keep moving but rest when you need to.