Chemo or Not? Moderate Level #19

CM53
CM53 Member Posts: 5
edited February 2015 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
Chemo or Not? Moderate Level #19
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  • CM53
    CM53 Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2015

    I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma - Stage I - Level II. ER+ PR+ -Risk assessment moderate (19).

    Oncologist recommends Chemo - Surgeon does not ????

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited February 2015

    CM

    I'm so sorry for the cancer that brought you here but want you to know you've found a soft place to land with stellar resources and great support.

    I'm sure others will chime in who have /had similar circumstances to yours. Right now my first roommate from college is awaiting results of her oncotype score. Her stats are similar & she wondered aloud today what the recommendation would be if the score was 18/19.

    Did your oncologist explain reasons for his/her recommendation? I would imagine he/she did. What chemo was recommended? Your age may be a factor. Have you thought about a 2nd opinion? If you do not have chemo - what are the recommendations for any treatment going forward? Was radiation discussed? Have you met with a Radiation Oncologist? Hormonal therapy?

    Lots to digest right now. You will get lots of advice and personal info here. Try to read results of studies that relate to your particular situation with all the factors.

    Again so sorry you are here but glad you found BCO.

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  • GeorgiaMom
    GeorgiaMom Member Posts: 66
    edited February 2015

    I was in a similar situation. I think the difference of opinion is related to the specialties. Oncologists want to treat with chemo and surgeons think surgery is enough. My oncotype was 20 and oncologist recommended chemo. It was a tough decision but I did the chemo. Whatever you decide to do, try not to second guess yourself. Once the decision is made, don't look back and have no regrets. Good luck with your decision!

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  • Halfabanana
    Halfabanana Member Posts: 36
    edited February 2015

    Hi CM53...

    I was Stage 1 IDC, Grade 2, ER+ PR+, Onco score was 18. Neither of my doctors recommended chemo. Perhaps it was due to my age, 52 at the time, and in menopause. I had a UMX, no rads, and have been on Arimidex for 2 years. I was told that the benefit of chemo in my situation would be minimal, and outweighed by potentially harmful side effects. It seems there are many varied medical opinions out there.

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  • CM53
    CM53 Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2015

    Thanks Halfabana,

    I am 53 and menopausal and will be receiving radiation and hormone therapy for the next 10 years - that was decided from the get go but when my Onco score came in at 19 it was left up to me. Yikes ... I asked my oncologist what she would do if she was me and that's when she said she would. I met with my surgeon the very next morning due to superficial veins below the Breast extending into the abdomen, it freaked me out and the oncologist too (she recommended I see my surgeon right away so I did) turns out that it's a uncommon problem called Mondor's syndrome. I spoke with the surgeon about the Chemo and since I'm getting radiation and hormones therapy she felt that Chemo was not beneficial.

    You are absolutely right, I'm so glad I came across this site, don't feel so alone and everyone is so supportive

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  • CM53
    CM53 Member Posts: 5
    edited February 2015

    Thanks GeogiaMom,

    I've decided to forego the Chemo and now waiting for the genetic testing results - if it's genetics then I will consider a double Mastectomy - hope I don't have to cross that bridg

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