What treatment decisions did you make with stage 1, Oncotype 34?

I did have the recommended chemotherapy. It was 4 infusions spaced 3 weeks apart. It's commonly referred to as TC which represents Taxotere (docetaxel) and Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide). I used ice packs during the taxotere infusion to reduce my risk of neuropathy. Whether that made the difference or not, I can't say but I haven't developed neuropathy. I did not use anything on my head to save my hair.

I think I mentioned my age but may not have mentioned that I also have afib, though my afib episodes were episodic. Oncologist took those factors into account in her recommended chemotherapy for me.

Let me know if you have other questions!

@jmab Hey, thanks for sharing. My oncologist didn't order an Oncotype test and I wondered why. He just said to go ahead with chemotherapy which I did. Mine was ILC, stage 2, grade 3 and 5.2 cm and I was 65, so I guess he used those measurements to determine chemo effect. I never knew why we didn't get an Oncotype and just went with his advice which was fine because cancer is gone.
Looking back, I wish I had the Oncotype to let me know recurrence score, but I recently asked NP and she did some mathematical algorithm and told me my stats, so we're all good.

@brightlight66 honestly, there's so much confusion about oncotype scores, I wouldn't give it a second thought! It sounds like your doctor did a very thorough job of evaluating your exact situation & basing your treatment on that. Glad to hear you're doing so well! Keep up the good work!

I had Stage 1a ductal carcinoma that was ER/PR + HER2- and ki67 of 1%. I had a 8mm tumor and no lymphovascular invasion. My Oncotype came back at 29. The oncologist suggested chemo and I wanted to do the Mammaprint test since the Oncotype result was so unexpected. The Mammaprint came back as low risk of recurrence and no chemo benefit. My oncologist took my case to the tumor board who said no chemo and I also consulted with two additional cancer doctors who both said no chemo. I ended up not doing chemo and will never know if I made the right decision. My onco dr subsequently ran the RSCLIN model which includes other data like age, tumor size, grade, recurrence score and number of lymph nodes involved and this model showed very low benefit to chemo. This was 6 years ago.

@vegada My cancer was similar to yours...7mm ILC, stage 1a, no lymph nodes. Ki67 was 5%. Oncotype 22. I was 72 when diagnosed & no chemo even considered. Just lumpectomy, 5-day radiation & half-dose Tamoxifen. You didn't say how old you were, but age makes a big difference. Also, oncotype scores can be unreliable & some docs don't even use them. Sounds like your team evaluated your situation & made the right call! Glad you're doing so well!

@malebreastcancer47 I'm also taking 10 mg Tamoxifen, just started Jan. 1st this year. I'm doing ok but I've noticed a slight weight gain (unusual for me), so I'm working to get a few extra pounds off. I've heard others say that they gained weight while on Tamoxifen. I'm curious what side effects, if any, you've experienced?

@jmab I may be wrong but I thought I read ILC doesn't respond particularly well to chemo but I could well be wrong on that. So take that comment with a grain of salt as they say.

Having a score of 22 would have ruled out chemo since generally 26 is now considered the score when they start to recommend chemo. I was 60 years old when I was diagnosed.

@vegada My first oncologist declined to order the oncotype test because she didn't think it was necessary, but my current oncologist ordered it. I guess it's a useful tool but again, it's just 1 piece of the puzzle. It's interesting that the oncotype score does not take into account tumor size, for example. Considering it's a $5K test, I can understand why some doctors don't use it.

@jmab I totally agree it is just one piece of the puzzle. The RSCLIN model published by Exact Sciences(same company that does Oncotype) allows you to input tumor size, grade of tumor, planned treatment(like AI) and age at diagnosis. When you include those additional prognostic factors along with your Oncotype score, then you get a more complete picture.

I was 70 last year when diagnosed with ILC. Same result stage 1A and no cancer in lymph nodes with oncotype score of 22. No chemo was recommended and I was told ILC isn’t really responsive to chemo. I am on leteozole for five years. So far I can live with side effects. Mostly a hot flash once in a while. I think your decision sounds optimal for you and your doctors agree. Catching it early is everything for ILC. Best wishes!