Mammaprint Questions

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Nefilim
Nefilim Member Posts: 1
edited October 2016 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

My wife was DX with HER2+ DCIS and IDC. She had surgery last week to remove the tumor, and it was 0.44cm. We met with the Oncologist, and he said that if it was 0.5cm, that he would be recommending Chemotherapy, in addition to Hormone Treatment and Radiation. However, since it was less than 0.5cm, he's recommending the Mammaprint test to see what the recurrence rate would be for my wifes specific cancer. Here's the specifics:

No lymph node involvement, Stage 1a.

Grade 3

-ER/PR Positive (100%)

-HER2 Positive (Equiivocal 2+)

-Ki-67: High (50%)

-Nottingham Grade 3/3

-Glandular/tubular differentiation: 3

-Nuclear pleomorphism: 3

-Mitotic Rate: 2

Because of the Grade of the cancer, and the fact that it's RIGHT ON THE LINE of where the NCCS recommendation says to do Chemo, our Oncologist did recommend the Mammaprint, however, said it was pretty much up to my wife if she wanted to do the Mammaprint, or if she wanted to go ahead with the Chemotherapy. We're not 100% certain if our insurance would even cover the Mammaprint test, and it takes 4 weeks. Not only that, but if it comes back with a low score, and my wife does not get Chemotherapy, she's scared of any incidence of recurrence. So, I guess the question is... What would you do? The wait of 4 weeks would be a nightmare for her, she HATES the 'not knowing'. Any and all assistance you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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  • Luckynumber47
    Luckynumber47 Member Posts: 397
    edited September 2016

    It sounds to me that your wife would feel more secure if she did the chemo. How old is she? Have you taken into account the side effects of chemo along with any other health issues your wife may have? Tough decision to make, just decide what's best for you and then never look back

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  • KathyL624
    KathyL624 Member Posts: 217
    edited September 2016

    Was the HER2 confirmed positive by FISH? Your report says equivocal. If it is positive I would ask about Herceptin

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  • CCS648
    CCS648 Member Posts: 41
    edited October 2016

    Nefilim - I had the mammaprint test about a year and half ago, and in the end my insurance company refused to pay for it. That made no sense to me because - due to the test results - I didn't have to have chemo, so it obviously saved them money. But in any event, Agendia (the company that gives the test) has a deal where if the insurance company won't pay, they will settle with you for $500, and they will work out a payment plan. I ended up paying it off over a few months (without interest). They were really easy to deal with.

    While I am also terrified about the chance of recurrence, I'm thrilled that I didn't have to have chemo. The long-term effects of chemo can be so devastating.

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  • Lisey
    Lisey Member Posts: 1,053
    edited October 2016

    The mammaprint didn't take 4 weeks for me this summer and I'm very grateful I took it. I'm going to end up paying $500 for it, but so so worth it to know more details on my particular tumor type. I highly suggest it.

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