to go for chemo or not?

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chandi40
chandi40 Member Posts: 2
in Breast Cancer #1

I am a healthy 61 year old woman diagnosed 11/2017 with Invasive lobular carcinoma; right breast lumpectomy performed 12/2017 tumor size 2.5cm; nodes 0/3 negative; margins clean;LVI not identified; ER+, PR +, Her2-; Ki-67 is over 25. Oncotype DX score 19. BRCA 1 and 2 result shows no gene mutation. this test was performed as my sister was diagnosed with  stage 3  invasive ductal carcinoma, and passed away in the mid-90s at age 44 after a two year struggle. 

 

I am seeing the medical oncologist next week.  i am confused after going through several sites on the internet - different views are expressed about chemo with intermediate Oncotype score.  i would really appreciate your thoughts on whether the benefits of chemotherapy in my particular case out-weigh the risks and side effects?  I will also go for a second opinion before the final decision on chemo, but really would welcome your experiences and if any members have a similar case as mine.  thank you  so much for sharing your views.    

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  • Apaugh
    Apaugh Member Posts: 850 Member
    #2
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    cancer treatment is a bear

    It is rough and can be overwhelming at times.  It is a personal choice that only you can make.  Whatever the choice, we are here to support you.

    Hugs,

    Annie

  • chandi40
    chandi40 Member Posts: 2
    #3
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    Apaugh said:

    cancer treatment is a bear

    It is rough and can be overwhelming at times.  It is a personal choice that only you can make.  Whatever the choice, we are here to support you.

    Hugs,

    Annie

    thanks so much Annie. I will

    thanks so much Annie. I will find out what the oncologists recommend but have been reading that omcotyoe intermediate score is a gray area in terms of outcome. Research study still ongoing, 

  • CCFlowerandScout
    CCFlowerandScout Member Posts: 3
    #4
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    Its scary, but I chose NOT to do Chemo Dec 2017

    It is a tough choice.  IMHO because your sister had it that's the part and the 'invasive" that would make me tend toward chemo. But I get your situation, lumpectomy, clean margins, HER2-, No BRCA gene. Oncagenne score 19.

    I refused chemo Dec 2017 and it was a reoccurance--tough decision. I am now 52, had lumpectomy 11mm Sept 2017 Oncogene score 11, HER2 Borderline, ultimately HER2- (in my single mastectomy breast which was done in 2007 along with TRAM flap reconstruction age 42, it was DCIS stage 0 and no BRCA gene.  My Drs at that time said no chemo, no radiation, take Tamoxofin 5 yrs. All was good for 10 years.)   For me, this second time around with the cancer out, clean margins, Oncogene 11. I wanted the same treatment like 10 years ago just give me a pill.  I figure I'm a rare case to get BC in my mastectomy breast which is just fat and an implant-no breast tissue and that cancer will prob come back regardless of chemo and i dont want the side effects or toxins in my body, I'll deal with it IF it returns.  But I lost my job just prior diagnoses and I am single so I need to find work also-I do not qualify for medicare bc my unemployment $ was to high to qualify. Plus, my reoccurance in my mastectomy boob did PERPLEX the Drs and they were afraid to "UnderTreat" me.  I refused the ChemoPort- I really expressed I am not doing Chemo.  Drs did not push it.  So I started Tamoxofin Dec 2017.  I will be doing more "healthy lifestyle" and pursuing a career change out of stressful sales.  I cross my fingers, but I feel confident in my decision. Hope this helps.  (FYI: I did have an aunt pass from BC on my Dads side on a reoccurance of bone marrow cancer-i think she did chemo.)  I send you a BIG HUG. Hang in there. Be confident in your decision. :) 

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