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Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 20 10:00am | Replies (345)

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@nlb122

I have questions about adding chemo to treatment in addition to letrozole after a single mastectomy on 8/11 (dcis stage 1 grade 1) and an Oncotype score of 28 which falls into the intermediate range. As a 75 year old, I feel like I need to assess the side effects of chemo against the benefit of stopping a recurrence of 17% over 9 years. I am also unsure of what additional testing might be done over time.

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Replies to "I have questions about adding chemo to treatment in addition to letrozole after a single mastectomy..."

When you say 'Oncotype score', do you mean the OncotypeDX "risk of recurrence' number, which shows up on your report as a %?

If so, where does the 17% come from as recurrence risk? I only ask as I've seen people misunderstand the numbers on the OncotypeDX report.

Also, remember that the 'risk of recurrence within 9 years' that is on the report is contingent upon taking either aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen. The risk nearly doubles if one doesn't take them, using the current statistical models.

It's worth asking your oncologist whether chemo makes much difference in his or her opinion. And maybe get a second opinion. I can tell you that my breast cancer surgeon and oncologist told me that older women 'usually' skip chemo and radiation when the cancer was caught early, is a low stage and if the lymph nodes are clear. You are taking the letrazole which will likely give you the most protection. And the tumor was an early stage. And, as a grade 1, not considered fast-growing.

Maybe another talk with your, or another, oncologist will give better perspective. Quality of life is important too.

I had a lumpectomy July, small tumor grade one Stage one. Invasive Ductal carcinoma.had oncotype score of 4 no chemo no radiation my choice because other problems that I have. The Dr. Wanted me to take Tamoxifen daily for five years. I will be 72 years old in couple of weeks. I’m not going to do anything for now. I pray I did the right thing.