Oncotyping score 22

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3guys4me
3guys4me Member Posts: 5
in Breast Cancer #1

Had lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy 10/15.  2.1 centimeter ilc with clear margins and all 4 nodes negative.  Oncotyping score is 22.  I fall in the gray area.  Cannot decide on chemo.  Anyone have any comments?  I need a decision by Wednesday.  

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  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #2
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    chemo decision

    Did your oncologist go over the chart that comes with the oncotype score with you that tells what your chances of cancer reoccurrence are with and without chemo? That might help in making the decision.

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #3
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    What Does

    What does your Surgeon say about it?  I remember that they told me that the odds were very good with Lumpectomy and only Radiation........IF the nodes were clean....when my nodes came up with cancer the option was off the table.  I didn't have an Oncologist until after my surgery and I was absolutely SURE that the cancer had not spread......and... I WAS WRONG.........   Thoughts and prayers with you......... Glo

  • 3guys4me
    3guys4me Member Posts: 5
    #4
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    Puffin2014 said:

    chemo decision

    Did your oncologist go over the chart that comes with the oncotype score with you that tells what your chances of cancer reoccurrence are with and without chemo? That might help in making the decision.

    With hormone therapy 14% risk

    With hormone therapy 14% risk of recurrence.  With chemo/hormone therapy 7%.  

  • 3guys4me
    3guys4me Member Posts: 5
    #5
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    GlowMore said:

    What Does

    What does your Surgeon say about it?  I remember that they told me that the odds were very good with Lumpectomy and only Radiation........IF the nodes were clean....when my nodes came up with cancer the option was off the table.  I didn't have an Oncologist until after my surgery and I was absolutely SURE that the cancer had not spread......and... I WAS WRONG.........   Thoughts and prayers with you......... Glo

    my oncologist said either

    my oncologist said either way.  Oh btw, I'm 48 yrs old. So that factors in also

  • 3guys4me
    3guys4me Member Posts: 5
    #6
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    GlowMore said:

    What Does

    What does your Surgeon say about it?  I remember that they told me that the odds were very good with Lumpectomy and only Radiation........IF the nodes were clean....when my nodes came up with cancer the option was off the table.  I didn't have an Oncologist until after my surgery and I was absolutely SURE that the cancer had not spread......and... I WAS WRONG.........   Thoughts and prayers with you......... Glo

    Prayers to you also.

    Prayers to you also.  Oncologist said either way. Btw, I'm 48 yrs old

  • GMcD
    GMcD Member Posts: 134
    #7
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    GlowMore said:

    What Does

    What does your Surgeon say about it?  I remember that they told me that the odds were very good with Lumpectomy and only Radiation........IF the nodes were clean....when my nodes came up with cancer the option was off the table.  I didn't have an Oncologist until after my surgery and I was absolutely SURE that the cancer had not spread......and... I WAS WRONG.........   Thoughts and prayers with you......... Glo

    My onco score was also 22.  I

    My onco score was also 22.  I was told before my test that in my oncologist's practice anyone with a score over 18, was getting chemo.  I could change oncs if I wished but that was how it was with her.  So.... I had chemo.  It's been almost 5 yrs and everyone is different, and I'm sure any decission you make will be best for you.  Warmest wishes for a good journey and recovery.

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #8
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    chemo decision

    My oncotype score was 27 in June so there wasn't much discussion - I did 4 rounds of chemo this summer - taxotere and cytoxin, three weeks between each chemo. Had no problems with nausea or vomiting, they have great meds that are given just prior to the chemo. I got very weak from my chemo, foggy thinking for awhile, food lost its taste and of course, lost my hair. My last chemo was Sep 18, I'm back to normal strength, thinking is clear again and taste buds are back. My scalp has enough hair that it looks like a 5 o'clock shadow on my head; I got a free wig from the American Cancer Society that looks so much like my original hair that people told me I looked better while on chemo.

     

    Whatever you decide, make sure you'll be able to look back with no regrets, no second guessing.

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #9
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    I had chemo

    I had chemo, but with such advanced stage that they didn't even do oncotype. This must be such a tough decision for you falling in the gray area. If it were me I would probably go for the chemo. I told my surgeon/onc team to hit me with everything in their arsenal and I did the works. I wanted to feel that whatever happened, I did all I could. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do. Keep us posted...Hugs, Anna

  • Pixie Dust
    Pixie Dust Member Posts: 424 Member
    #10
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    You have to make own decision

    Chemo is not what it was years ago. They give you so much meds to take before, during and after chemo from making you sick. Although all people react differently with chemo that I have heard a alot even keeps their jobs and works everyday because it does not bother them. I had a score of 30 and had no choice but take it. My decision would be if I had a  score of 22 I would take chemo, because of the reason if it ever returned I can say I tried everything and have no regrets. Hope whatever you decide you do well in the future. (HUGS) Pixie

  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #11
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    My tumor was 2 cm and oncol

    My tumor was 2 cm and oncol said the general rule is for sizing it was just in the range for chemo.  So just kind of did what I was told.  No node involvement.  No radiation.  But my type of cancer often is in both sides, and it actually turned out to be so.  Lots of factors to think about.  Everyone is right, have a good talk about the options and decide for yourself.  Good luck.  

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #12
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    RozHopkins said:

    My tumor was 2 cm and oncol

    My tumor was 2 cm and oncol said the general rule is for sizing it was just in the range for chemo.  So just kind of did what I was told.  No node involvement.  No radiation.  But my type of cancer often is in both sides, and it actually turned out to be so.  Lots of factors to think about.  Everyone is right, have a good talk about the options and decide for yourself.  Good luck.  

    Back in 2002

    If they had such a thing as  "OncoTest" back then I didn't hear about it...and truthfully don't know what it is now....

    What is it girls?    I get the CA 27-29  Tumor Marker test  and that one in Sept was 47 and they said come back for another blood test last of Nov and see Oncologist again in Dec....because over the years this test has fluctuated and they did not seem to be concerned this last time........  My Oncologist that retired would always have me back immediately to redo the blood test...but this new Onc (age about 48) didn't seem worried......probably because I am still here after 11 years from the end of treatment?  IDK     ***  I guess I need to ask about that OncoScore thing. ??

  • button2
    button2 Member Posts: 421
    #13
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    GlowMore said:

    Back in 2002

    If they had such a thing as  "OncoTest" back then I didn't hear about it...and truthfully don't know what it is now....

    What is it girls?    I get the CA 27-29  Tumor Marker test  and that one in Sept was 47 and they said come back for another blood test last of Nov and see Oncologist again in Dec....because over the years this test has fluctuated and they did not seem to be concerned this last time........  My Oncologist that retired would always have me back immediately to redo the blood test...but this new Onc (age about 48) didn't seem worried......probably because I am still here after 11 years from the end of treatment?  IDK     ***  I guess I need to ask about that OncoScore thing. ??

    Beginning of treatment

    Glo, I didn't get oncotyping because my cancer was large and in the lymph nodes. As far as I know, it is used only in early stage breast cancer at the beginning to decide whether chemo/radiation is needed. So I don't think you have to do anything about it. I'm sure other ladies who have had it done can tell you more. I get the same marker test as you do plus they give me the one for ovarian cancer and the more general CEA one. Best, Anna

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #14
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    GlowMore said:

    Back in 2002

    If they had such a thing as  "OncoTest" back then I didn't hear about it...and truthfully don't know what it is now....

    What is it girls?    I get the CA 27-29  Tumor Marker test  and that one in Sept was 47 and they said come back for another blood test last of Nov and see Oncologist again in Dec....because over the years this test has fluctuated and they did not seem to be concerned this last time........  My Oncologist that retired would always have me back immediately to redo the blood test...but this new Onc (age about 48) didn't seem worried......probably because I am still here after 11 years from the end of treatment?  IDK     ***  I guess I need to ask about that OncoScore thing. ??

    oncotype

    button is correct, oncotype test is done on early detected cancer. Tumor has to be at least 1 cm so they have enough of a sample to test. It's sent to California and then you wait for 2 weeks. 21 genes are tested to see how aggressive the tumor is, and how likely chemo will be effective against it. It's scored from 0-100, a score of under 10 means no chemo indicated, a score of 30 or more means chemo definitely would be helpful, and scores in the grey area are discussed with oncologist. My score was 27 so there wasn't much discussion. You also get a graph with the score that tells your percent chance of the cancer reocurring with and without chemo

  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    #15
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    GlowMore said:

    Back in 2002

    If they had such a thing as  "OncoTest" back then I didn't hear about it...and truthfully don't know what it is now....

    What is it girls?    I get the CA 27-29  Tumor Marker test  and that one in Sept was 47 and they said come back for another blood test last of Nov and see Oncologist again in Dec....because over the years this test has fluctuated and they did not seem to be concerned this last time........  My Oncologist that retired would always have me back immediately to redo the blood test...but this new Onc (age about 48) didn't seem worried......probably because I am still here after 11 years from the end of treatment?  IDK     ***  I guess I need to ask about that OncoScore thing. ??

    To Glow

    Hi Glow

    you probably know that for CA 27-29 the norm is between 0-37. $7 is above. My oncologist always wait for a month to repeat my blood work if tumor markers are outside normal raange.

    Hugs

  • Lilly9
    Lilly9 Member Posts: 155
    #16
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    New Flower said:

    To Glow

    Hi Glow

    you probably know that for CA 27-29 the norm is between 0-37. $7 is above. My oncologist always wait for a month to repeat my blood work if tumor markers are outside normal raange.

    Hugs

    It's a personal choice for

    It's a personal choice for sure.    My cancer was to far advanced so there was no "choice"    But I remember from the second I realized I had cancer that I was going to do whatever it took to kick it to the curb.   I wouldn't say chemo was easy but I will say it was not what I had heard or anticipated.   I worked the entire time I was being treated, after surgery and during radiation - missing very little time off.   

    Prayers are with you as you struggle with your decision

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #17
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    Lilly9 said:

    It's a personal choice for

    It's a personal choice for sure.    My cancer was to far advanced so there was no "choice"    But I remember from the second I realized I had cancer that I was going to do whatever it took to kick it to the curb.   I wouldn't say chemo was easy but I will say it was not what I had heard or anticipated.   I worked the entire time I was being treated, after surgery and during radiation - missing very little time off.   

    Prayers are with you as you struggle with your decision

    So did I Lilly

    I worked all thru the chemo and the radiation too Lilly....only it was just a part time job to start with and they were very understanding when I had to take a day here or there.   But when I started Radiation the Idiot I worked for asked me if I was going to be RadioActive..........and he was totally serious.  AND, within a month my great part time job was discontinued and I was laid off..............    that was over ten years ago and I do miss working but not enough to try to find a new part time job  :)   Enough to deal with just keeping up with everything else.     All these decisions we have to make dealing with this awful Disease........sometimes you just want to put your head in the Sand....   Looks like 3Guys hasn't come back.............. Hope she does and lets us know what she decided to do..........

  • 3guys4me
    3guys4me Member Posts: 5
    #18
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    Decision made. Been a busy

    Decision made. Been a busy week. Chemo starts Wednesday the 19th. Had echo and port goes in Tuesday. signed up to do some trial for nausea. Will see what that's about. Today I'm meeting with my sister to pick out a wig. This is like another full time job. Thankful I have a great support system. H

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #19
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    3guys4me said:

    Decision made. Been a busy

    Decision made. Been a busy week. Chemo starts Wednesday the 19th. Had echo and port goes in Tuesday. signed up to do some trial for nausea. Will see what that's about. Today I'm meeting with my sister to pick out a wig. This is like another full time job. Thankful I have a great support system. H

    numbing cream for port

    Make sure you get a prescription for the numbing cream for your port, it works great. You put a glob of cream on the skin over the port about 1 - 1 1/2 hours before they're going to poke the needle into the port to access it, tape a small square of plastic wrap over the glob to keep it in place and to protect your clothes. I've never had a painful poke and I know many ladies who did without the cream.

  • GlowMore
    GlowMore Member Posts: 789 Member
    #20
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    Puffin2014 said:

    numbing cream for port

    Make sure you get a prescription for the numbing cream for your port, it works great. You put a glob of cream on the skin over the port about 1 - 1 1/2 hours before they're going to poke the needle into the port to access it, tape a small square of plastic wrap over the glob to keep it in place and to protect your clothes. I've never had a painful poke and I know many ladies who did without the cream.

    I didn't have the cream

    I didn't have any of that cream....but they did use a freezing type spray .... only you HAVE TO ASK THEM FOR IT...and I forgot to ask once and it really hurt.    After that I asked each time and had no other trouble....well except for the usual stuff....the first Adriamycin PUSH of the RED DEVIL the nurse pushed it too fast and I almost gotl sick...but the minute I felt the nausea I remember I told her... or maybe I told the entire room....something like "NAUSEA NAUSEA" and grabbed for a waste basket...but when she stopped it stopped...and we waited a bit and then she resumed at a slower pace....it usually took about 20 minutes for that Red Push each time for me.........and the other two drips in the IV took another couple of hours maybe....seems like it all took about 3 to 3 1/2 hours each time...maybe 4......   Looking back I am so glad I had that Port.......    Really g:lad to hear back from you 3guys  :)   Thoughts and Prayers for you.... We are with you.

  • Puffin2014
    Puffin2014 Member Posts: 531 Member
    #21
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    Puffin2014 said:

    numbing cream for port

    Make sure you get a prescription for the numbing cream for your port, it works great. You put a glob of cream on the skin over the port about 1 - 1 1/2 hours before they're going to poke the needle into the port to access it, tape a small square of plastic wrap over the glob to keep it in place and to protect your clothes. I've never had a painful poke and I know many ladies who did without the cream.

    check ahead of time

    my infusion center did not have any of the numbing spray that Glow mentioned, check ahead of time and see if your center does. I don't understand why the oncs only order the numbing cream if someone asks for it.

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