Oncotype DX score of 21....chemo or not?

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kec1972
kec1972 Member Posts: 269
edited February 2019 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

Hi All,

I just got my Oncotype DX score back today....21. My MO said it put me in the "gray" zone where chemo would probably benefit me anywhere from 3-4%. I am 46, with a 1cm IDC node negative and highly ER and PR positive, HER negative. Wondering what you all would do? I am inclined to decline chemo since I don't think 3-4% benefit is worth the risks of chemo. I will be starting tamoxifen for 5 years soon.

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  • Peregrinelady
    Peregrinelady Member Posts: 1,019
    edited February 2019

    kec1972, there are several ongoing threads on this subject that you might want to check out. The best advice I heardhere is to do whatever is going to give you peace of mind if it does recur.

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  • Toni_S
    Toni_S Member Posts: 49
    edited February 2019

    My diagnosis was almost identical to yours, except I had a 1 cm ILC tumor - also node negative, richly ER/PR positive, HER2 negative, oncotype score 21. I opted for lumpectomy and radiation only as treatment. Eight years later I am now dealing with a recurrence in one axillary lymph node. Whether having chemo 8 years ago would have prevented that is unknown. But everyone’s experience is unique and I know many women who have skipped chemo with an intermediate score who are fine after many years.

    Whatever you decide, just make sure you have confidence in your decision and your doctor. We are all justplaying the odds, so much is unknown with this disease.

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited February 2019

    I had a 21 onco-score DX'd at age 58....before TailorX results came out. Today, it may not have been recommended. I took Tamoxifen for 2.5 yrs instead of the recommended 5. I tolerated chemo very well. So far, so good! Of course, we all know, there are no guarantees either way. I have started buying more organic foods when possible and use hygiene products that contain no parabens. I had low Vit D when DX'd and have been taking supplements. You may want to get a second opinion or get the Mamma-print test done. There are many factors to consider. It's a hard decision, that should not be taken lightly. I say follow your gut and don't look back. Best wishes!!!

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