Onco score of 19 no chemo

GoLilly, I am postmenopausal but my MOs plan is 2 years tamoxifen followed by 3 years AI. He thinks this will  be kinder to my hair and bones than doing all AI. Started tamoxifen 9 days ago (early days). When the MO wants to start the pills varies. Some start them early. Others wait until rads are completed as in my case. I think people are probably more likely to post about bad side effects than none at all so maybe its not as bad as it looks. I hope!

Boosts are common. I had 33 total sessions including 5 boosts. this is a pretty typical number. My MO mentioned the Canadian rads, to get it done in a shorter time but RO went with the a common 6 - 7 weeks. Just my thoughts as I am not an expert but I would think the boosts are that extra insurance policy, especially if your Onco score is beginning of grey zone. The boosts were not bad at all to do I found. 

There is  a thread for ladies doing fall 2014 rads and also the one for those of us that have been doing summer 2014 rads that has a lot of info and tips. I think most of us in Summer 2014 have had boosts.

It does seem like an awful lot to deal with but the time really does pass quickly once you get into the routine!!

GoLilly, Rads was OK for me. I have had some fatigue and so tried to exercise and have plenty of protein and water, also take naps when I needed it. I did have a few days when I just wanted to sleep a lot, I was so tired.

Skin type does not appear to affect how the skin reacts and everybody reacts differently.  For me it just got pinker during treatment, looked red at the end and the nipple was sore and tender right near the end. I moisturized  all the time, went bra less as I am small breasted but nothing was really bad at all. Skin peeling was very superficial.  Its 3 weeks today since I finished and my skin is fine. Even the tan has faded a lot already. For some it can get worse for a week or two after treatment but once it starts to heal the process is quick.  

You will get through this!!

Raider, has your MO considered tamoxifen or a different AI if Femera is causing bad SEs. I was never on HRT but have tolerated the tamox. ok the last couple of weeks. MO did not want me to start on an AI but to switch to one in 2 years from now due to hair and bone concern and I am WAY menopausal. Also I find lorazepam (ativan ) help with sleep, anxiety and feeling low. i have never tolerated the SSRI antidepressants at all. I do hope that you can find something that helps with the SEs ((hugs))

hello everyone, this is my first time on here, I was diagnose on sept 3, 2014 I'm having surg sept 20, I was wondering when is the appropriate time to start treatment after surgery, I read on line that rad or chemo should start within 30 day from surgery, which will decrease recurrence, I know I will have to wait for my onco results, ( how long does that take) I wish everyone the best of luck and my God bless all of us, hugs and kisses. 

Pandapb, Sorry you find yourself here. I cannot speak for chemo but the oncotype can take about 2 weeks after sample from surgery is sent although mine was available in a week. Also as you can tell by my dates, I did not start rads until around 7 weeks after surgery. None of the doctors, surgeon, MO or RO had any issue with this so I don't think you need to worry about there being a big rush to start rads although its stressful waiting for results. Wishing you all the best of luck!!

Be careful of what you read on line, it doesn't all apply to you and recommendations change all time.  My BS said that they usually wait for a month after surgery to start rads, your breast needs to heal first.  Some people wait longer, especially if they are doing any type of fertility treatment (e.g. Harvesting eggs).