DCIS and Oncotype test

piano
piano Member Posts: 9
edited July 2017 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I was authorized to see both radiation oncology dr and plastic surgery dr after my lumpectomy/excisional biopsy. On the day I had seen plastic surgeon, I met with my breast surgeon who ordered me to see both specialist. She asked me if I made a decision. I said no I need some time to think about. Then she ordered me oncotype test. And she really discouraged me from surgery. But then she also said its your choice. Now, I am worried if Oncotype comes back with lowscore, I am not going to be candidate for mastectomy? I am leaning toward mastectomy but I needed some time to think about it. Does anyone have similar story or heard about it? Please let me know.



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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited July 2017

    I don’t think the DCIS Oncotype should affect whether or not you are a candidate for mastectomy. It’s usually used to determine whether there is a need for radiation following a lumpectomy. She’s probably discouraging you from a mastectomy because your cancer is very small and not very aggressive. That said, it is ultimately your choice. It’s a good idea to run the Oncotype test though so you’ll really know what you are choosing between ... mastectomy vs. lumpectomy alone or vs. lumpectomy plus radiation. One reason some people in your situation choose a mastectomy is to avoid radiation, which with a low Oncotype you might be able to do anyway.

    For me, with a tiny (although more aggressive) cancer, mastectomy felt like overkill, and I was comfortable with doing radiation following a lumpectomy, but everyone has different things they can live with, and as I said, ultimately it is up to you, not the surgeon. Best of luck with whatever you decide.

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  • piano
    piano Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2017

    Thank you for your reply. I was about to loose sleep on this. I thought maybe my option of mastectomy would be taken away if test result is very low. Just worried what if insurance will deny and my surgeon is not too supportive at this time. Its just confusing because surgeon gave me all these options but she is oppose to mastectomy for me. Initially, she told me I can go for radiation or mastectomy and otherside of breast following year. It makes much sense to have bilatetal Mx and thats what I am leaning as my final decision. But just concern and worry about surgeon's inconsistency in presenting options for me and whether insurance will cover this? Anyone had similar story ?


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  • TJL3
    TJL3 Member Posts: 8
    edited July 2017

    hello Piano- I had a similar situation last year. My surgeon felt that a lumpectomy followed by radiation would reduce my risk of breast cancer returning and at the time I was afraid of a meastectomy so I followed her suggestion. But now a year later, I am getting a bilateral mastectomy because I feel this cancer will come back and I don't want that to happen. I have the choice to take control and rid my chances of breast cancer for good. It just took me a year to get to this decision. I wish I had done it sooner- hope that helps you!

    Good luck :

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