Breast cancer and treatment decision-making: How to decide?

Posted by roroj @roroj, Nov 24, 2022

I discovered in the first of August that I had breast cancer ( IDC) and They decided to do a mastectomy on the first of October. But until now I have not decided the neoadjuvant therapy because they decided that they should do the Oncotype lately. After the operation, they discovered that it was 2 mm in size, so they told me I have to start the hormone therapy after month from the surgery But when I interviewed the Oncologyest, the plan changed and she told me that the tumor size was 8 mm and not 2 mm because they forgot to calculate the size of the biopsy with the size of the remaining tumor so that the result was 8 mm. And she asked me to do the Oncotype test and the result was 20.do you think I need chemotherapy or just Harmon therapy
HER 2NEU negative
PT1b
PN0
The biopsy gave the grade is 1 but the residual tumor gave the grade is 2.
ER 86.99% strong positive
PR 64.99% strong positive

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The genetic test is negative. And the Oncotype for the biopsy (0.6)not for the residual tumor ( 0.2) .

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@roroj

The genetic test is negative. And the Oncotype for the biopsy (0.6)not for the residual tumor ( 0.2) .

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Hi. Sorry about your diagnosis of BC; it’s such a shock and a steep learning curve on what the next steps are going to be. Lots of decisions to make. If you can have a trusted person to accompany you to appointments an extra pair of ears is very helpful.

I was diagnosed Jan. 2022. I had an ONCOTYPE of 20 ( also from biopsy). which translated into no benefit with chemotherapy. If you are pre menopausal I think you need to clear 18. I also am very strongly Er PR positive and therefor I do qualify for the benefit of hormone therapy ( it’s actually anti hormone therapy referred to as AI or Aromatase Inhibitor). There are 3 products. I use Anastrozole. I’m nearing my 8th month and have had very mild joint discomfort here and there which I treat with stretching and exercise.

Your oncologist will discuss what he/she believes is the right treatment for your unique set of circumstances.

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I am waiting for my Oncotype DX test. @anjalima did you do chemotherapy?

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@anjalima

Hi. Sorry about your diagnosis of BC; it’s such a shock and a steep learning curve on what the next steps are going to be. Lots of decisions to make. If you can have a trusted person to accompany you to appointments an extra pair of ears is very helpful.

I was diagnosed Jan. 2022. I had an ONCOTYPE of 20 ( also from biopsy). which translated into no benefit with chemotherapy. If you are pre menopausal I think you need to clear 18. I also am very strongly Er PR positive and therefor I do qualify for the benefit of hormone therapy ( it’s actually anti hormone therapy referred to as AI or Aromatase Inhibitor). There are 3 products. I use Anastrozole. I’m nearing my 8th month and have had very mild joint discomfort here and there which I treat with stretching and exercise.

Your oncologist will discuss what he/she believes is the right treatment for your unique set of circumstances.

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I’m 35 years

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For ONCOTYPE a pre menopausal woman needs a score equal to or less than 15 ( 18?) to find NO BENEFIT from chemotherapy.

Recommendations will be different for you regarding AI. Tamoxifen is also an oral AI that has been used pre-menopausal. Recently oncologists are sometimes using the Post menopausal AIs plus an injectable to shut down ovarian estrogen.

Your oncologist will review these options with you.

The waiting is so difficult. Wishing you the best on your journey. This is a safe place to get support. We have all gone through the devastation of a BC diagnosis but we each have unique variables and circumstances. We are not medical professionals but we share our journey. Your medical team will advise you on best steps forward. Hugs 🌸

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@polianad22

I am waiting for my Oncotype DX test. @anjalima did you do chemotherapy?

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No I did not. I am post menopausal and had favorable ONCOTYPE 20 and 14 ( multi foci).

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@anjalima

For ONCOTYPE a pre menopausal woman needs a score equal to or less than 15 ( 18?) to find NO BENEFIT from chemotherapy.

Recommendations will be different for you regarding AI. Tamoxifen is also an oral AI that has been used pre-menopausal. Recently oncologists are sometimes using the Post menopausal AIs plus an injectable to shut down ovarian estrogen.

Your oncologist will review these options with you.

The waiting is so difficult. Wishing you the best on your journey. This is a safe place to get support. We have all gone through the devastation of a BC diagnosis but we each have unique variables and circumstances. We are not medical professionals but we share our journey. Your medical team will advise you on best steps forward. Hugs 🌸

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That’s what they told me exactly

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@roroj

That’s what they told me exactly

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BIG ASK… but attempt to put this aside during the challenging waiting period. I was pre surgery so literally flew to California ( from east coast) to visit my daughter and grandchildren during that waiting period and I did find a peaceful “vacay” from the stress. Do something that will “ take you away” if at all possible. Hugs

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I also did a week away with family just "being" between my biopsy and starting the frenzy of treatment, I second doing something really great just for you if you can swing it.

I was 38, but triple negative so I can't speak to the rest of your experience - but for me the two years of chemo/surgery/radiation/etc. would have been a lot harder without that trip to center myself first.

<<<Hugs.>>>

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