Just Diagnosed and So Confused; Feeling Lost

@kathysway
Firstly, congratulations on being proactive! If you have any doubts about your doctor's recommendation, then call another oncologist (outside of that doctor's network) and request a second opinion. Usually, you can get that visit within just a few days. (Bring all your test results with you.) If you are able, walk in to set the appointment rather than call. Frankly, it would be wonderful if you didn't need chemo! And, don't forget: the chemo decision is not just based on your onco score -- rather, it's a combination of numerous factors including lesion grade, ER status, age, and such, and, in borderline cases, is based on a best assessment/experience.

Even in best case scenarios, nothing about cancer is exact science (or it would have been easily cured decades ago).

If you still are unsure about a recommended treatment plan, you have the option to request a third opinion, and even make your own decision. You have more control than you are giving yourself credit for. In the meantime, I'm sending you my best wishes and a big thumbs up!

Get a second opinion. Be obnoxious if necessary until all your questions are answered.! It’s YOUR LIFE we’re talking about.

I had both the oncotype and the Mammoprint test done. You can request both. They are a bit different. Both showed that I have only a 3% chance of reoccurence if I take the endocrine therapy. In my experience, the lumpectomy and radiation were non events. I did not have the chemo. THE WORSE by far are the anti cancer estrogen blocking drugs you take for 5 years that have all these side effects. I thought I was done after radiation, but the worse was yet to come. I am staying on the drugs, but hate them with a passion.

@francine6829, My sentiments precisely, Francine.

What was your Oncotype score? Mine was 20 and now on anastrozole for 5 years😌

I would hear the oncologist out, but I would still get a second opinion from outside of that doctors network. Then I would go on the Mayo Clinic site and read everything I could find. I also read a couple of good books on breast cancer, just to get my bearings while I was waiting for test results. Then I would use whatever doctor I trusted the most, in my case a surgeon I knew would have my best interests at heart. To help me decide on what I thought was best for my cancer.
I ended up with some surgeries, I thought that was going to be the worst, but no it was a walk in the park compared to chemo, and then oopherectomy and then radiation. Then tamoxifen for a year, then anastrazole. Yes there are side effects to all of these and some people tolerate one treatment better than others. I still hate the hot flashes and the joint pain but mostly I can count my blessings that I never have to take that type of chemo again. I am grateful to the nurses and my surgeon for helping me through it. It also gave me some insight into where to look for information, a few years later when my husband got sick.

I truly hope you can seek help to make good decisions whatever the plan is, if it is right for you, it is the right one. I know things are really scary right now, but once you get started it is a lot less scary and more down to business.

Mine onco score was either 16 or 12 - can't remember which one. My mammoprint was even lower

In 2015 I was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Stage 2. My ONCO score was 27. I was ER positive but negative for everything else. I did have chemotherapy for six months as a preventive of recurrence of the breast cancer. I was post menopause so I am on Anastrazole for 7 years. If you want a second opinion then get one.

I had a onco score of 18 my Dr says she wont recommend chemo for any test scores under 24 so im going back in because she didnt have the score till this week I want to understand her better because what I've read on the cancer.org after i put all my ifo in it recommends chemo with radiation and the blockers so I need to understand it all thank yall so much for your support and info

The score of 20 put me in the intermediate range so I just did the radiation and lumpectomy. Now on anastrozole..guess it also depends if any nodes were positive .. I had 20 out and none were positive.. Praying it all goes well for you 🌷