Oncotype DX ?????

SassyAF
SassyAF Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello-after 3 appeals with insurance company I've given me approval to get the Oncotype test that my oncologist suggested.My 2 cmm tumor was a stage one grade 3 with Focal angiolypphatic invasion. I am now awaiting the results for this test to see if I would benefit from chemo(it puts tumor in 3 categories). If I end up in the low category my oncologist reccomends no chemo. I just received my second opionion and he said to disregard the test recommends 16 wks of AC followed by Taxol. I am now more confused than ever. It has been 5 weeks since my last surgery and can't afford to be on the fence over this any longer also not good for the head. Can anyone offer any suggestions or info regarding test.
Sharalee

Comments

  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #2
    Hi Sharalee,

    You are in a difficult position. I know some oncs are not pushing the chemo for ER+/PR+ because the Taxol works so well. Perhaps if you ask what your risks are with the AC and what they are without it, you can make an informed decision.

    Good luck. Hugs.

    Lesley
  • SassyAF
    SassyAF Member Posts: 13
    #3
    I'm forgetting two important and very positive things I am ER+ Node-. Gosh, I hope I don't forget to look on the bright side of things..
    Sharalee/Sassy
  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #4
    SassyAF said:

    I'm forgetting two important and very positive things I am ER+ Node-. Gosh, I hope I don't forget to look on the bright side of things..
    Sharalee/Sassy

    And I meant Tamoxifen not Taxol. Duh.

    Are you also PR+? I gathered you were node neg because of the stage.

    Hugs.

    Lesley
  • Susan956
    Susan956 Member Posts: 510
    #5
    Saralee.....
    It is great that you managed to catch your cancer at Stage 1... but I am sure that it does cause harder decisions. With many of us there is no choice as to whether we do chemo... Not an easy trip... but.. I had my doctor to take each of my treatments and bin them with the benefit that it would reap me. In other words they looked at (for me Chemo - A/C then Taxol/Herceptin combos, Herceptin (I am HER +), Arimidex (long term drug for ER+/PR+) and radiation). She broke each treatment out and the benefits statistically that can be reaped from them. That helped me understand the benefits.

    For you being Stage 1 there may not be enough benefits to choose to deal with the side effects.. but only you can decide.

    Hope this doesn't drive you nuts. I know before I picked the path that I would take it was the hardest for my peace of mind. Once chosen then it was just hard work to get to the other side.

    Take Care... God Bless....

    Susan
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #6
    Susan956 said:

    Saralee.....
    It is great that you managed to catch your cancer at Stage 1... but I am sure that it does cause harder decisions. With many of us there is no choice as to whether we do chemo... Not an easy trip... but.. I had my doctor to take each of my treatments and bin them with the benefit that it would reap me. In other words they looked at (for me Chemo - A/C then Taxol/Herceptin combos, Herceptin (I am HER +), Arimidex (long term drug for ER+/PR+) and radiation). She broke each treatment out and the benefits statistically that can be reaped from them. That helped me understand the benefits.

    For you being Stage 1 there may not be enough benefits to choose to deal with the side effects.. but only you can decide.

    Hope this doesn't drive you nuts. I know before I picked the path that I would take it was the hardest for my peace of mind. Once chosen then it was just hard work to get to the other side.

    Take Care... God Bless....

    Susan

    Yes, Susan, but I will quote my rad onc nurse:
    "Once you have reached a decision, it is the right one...never second guess...it is the right one for the time that you made it".
    There have been times that I cling to that...
    Hugs, Kathi

Discussion Boards