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What helped you make treatment decisions following DCIS lumpectomy?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 18 8:02am | Replies (119)Comment receiving replies
Following a single mastectomy, my pathology report indicates invasive ductal carcinoma with lobular features, grade 1, stage 1, negative sentinel node, clear 4mm margins that is ER, PR positive and Her 2 negative. An Oncotype recurrence score of 28 puts me in an intermediate range for recurrence and the possibility of chemo as additional treatment to letrozole. I have been taking letrozole since 6/22 and continue following the surgery on 8/11 with manageable side effects. My meeting with the oncologist will include a discussion of adding 4 chemo treatments spaced 3 weeks apart. Because I am 76, I am very hesitant to add chemo to the routine even though there seem to be some benefits to it. The positives may not outweigh the negative effects at my age. I do see others with similar conflicts so Any advice from those who find themselves in the same situation would be greatly appreciated.
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After another oncologist meeting, we discussed the mammaprint test results that indicate very low recurrence rate. Apparently this test only has two categories, high risk and low risk. It gave me more information to add to the Oncotype dx score, 28, and a KI-67 @ 6 so that I could feel ok with not having chemo. Because I had a mastectomy, there will not be radiation but I do take Letrozole without too much difficulty. Now I need to figure out which doctor will follow my health best…Internal medicine or High risk breast health clinic. Any advice? Appointments seem impossible to get without a 6 month wait at Northwestern..
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Hello,
My mother was diagnosed with b-cell lymphoma at age 81. Although she didn’t have breast cancer, her recommended tx was 6 cycles of chemo. She tolerated chemo well but needed some support. I know there are so many factors to consider, but I thought sharing her experience would be beneficial in some way. My only advice is to have a good support team if you decide to go through with chemo. Just having someone to keep you company, cook a light meal, throw in a load of laundry, or even take out the garbage can be a tremendous help. You will have a few bad days between cycles, but you will start to feel better before your next treatment.
I had breast cancer and went through 4 cycles of chemo due to an oncotype score of 25 and due to my age of 54. Tolerable.
I wish you well! Making this decision is not an easy one to make.