Waiting for the oncotyping

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smwusaf
smwusaf Member Posts: 129
edited December 2017 in Waiting for Test Results

I just got diagnosed Oct 6, had the lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on 11/13, one node had a microscopic cancer in it, and now I'm waiting on the oncotype test. I should get results next Wednesday and I guess that's when the medical oncologist will decide chemo or no chemo.

Waiting is hard but I have to say, I'm 54 and that is the first surgery of my life. I had no idea it would be such a life changing event.

I don't really have a question today, just wanted to put myself out here. :) I'm feeling pretty positive but almost every day I have a reminder about my cancer and it is throwing me for a loop.

Sarah

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited December 2017

    Hi there and thanks for posting. My situation is pretty close to yours: totally healthy, no issues for years (I did have skin cancer in my 20s), no family history of breast cancer, and then BAM, a diagnosis, a million tests, a lumpectomy and radiation. It all came out of nowhere.

    If you care to share your stats (tumor size, ER and PR status) you will get informed answers to any of your questions here from lots of lovely women who've been through it. And you will always get emotional support!

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    Sarah:

    Ask anything you can think of or simply come here to vent. I could not have survived the past year without this site.

    Just know we're out here. You are not alone.

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  • smwusaf
    smwusaf Member Posts: 129
    edited December 2017

    how do you get your stats to list on your post?


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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited December 2017

    The info. is on the main page under Help. Here's the short version tho I am not very techy!!

    If you'd like your diagnostic and treatment information to show in your post signature, you need to fill out your profile with all the diagnostic and treatment information that you know. Once you've filled it out, you can go to the Discussion Boards and click on Settings in the blue left-side navigation. Scroll down to the Treatments & Diagnoses Privacy Settings, where you'll see your information as you've entered it. Click "Change to Public" to make the information public in your post signature (it defaults to private). You can switch it back to private at any time.

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  • smwusaf
    smwusaf Member Posts: 129
    edited December 2017

    Thanks, that was easy. :)

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  • smwusaf
    smwusaf Member Posts: 129
    edited December 2017

    Thanks so much. You know what really surprised me was the fact the it bothered me that my breasts don't look the same anymore. one is looking up and the other looking down, lol.

    But it really does bother me. I know it sounds superficial but I can't help the way I feel.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    It's not superficial at all. All of this is such a process. I've had all kinds of feelings. Good, bad, ugly, positive, negative, ETC.

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited December 2017

    I'm waiting for oncotype too.

    I hate the waiting. I know I'll feel better once we have a plan.

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  • EastcoastTS
    EastcoastTS Member Posts: 864
    edited December 2017

    Moth:

    Hoping for low Oncotype for you.

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  • smwusaf
    smwusaf Member Posts: 129
    edited December 2017

    My oncotyping came back at 17. I was told that was low and that adding chemo to my planned radiation and aromatase inhibitor drug therapy for 5-7 years will not reduce my recurrence risk much so I won't be getting Chemo. I'm very thankful to not have to deal with that set of side effects.

    I start radiation next thursday and I'm scheduled for 20 sessions.

    It's been very helpful to read all the information and encouragement on these boards.

    Sarah

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited December 2017

    Hi again Sarah and that sounds right. Good news! If it interest you, we have a "January radiation" thread going on another part of the site, plus many of us grizzled RADS veterans can still be found on the "December radiation" thread. Feel free to join us on either board.

    Also I'm posting here the instructions I got from Johns Hopkins in case they are useful.

    image

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  • smwusaf
    smwusaf Member Posts: 129
    edited December 2017

    Thank you, Georgia1. I did join the January group and it's been good reading. Good ideas and reminders to prepare. I need to do a little shopping this weekend. :)

    Happy and Healthy New Year!

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