Intermediate Oncotype score: Did you choose chemo?

Posted by brighterdays @brighterdays, Mar 28, 2023

Hello! I’m 47. At the beginning of the year I was diagnosed with IDC and had a lumpectomy. Tumor was 14mm, grade 3, ki67 was 40%. Stage 1A, 0 nodes. I got my Oncotype result back yesterday and it was 16. My oncologist immediately said I needed chemo even though I’m in the low intermediate range. She wants to put me on taxotere and Cytoxan every 3 weeks for 4 times.
Has anyone had a similar experience where your oncologist strongly pushed for chemo with an intermediate Oncotype score? If you’ve had those drugs administered for chemo, how did you handle it? Thank you.

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I did not have oncotype or ki67 because those came along after I was diagnosed. That being said I would think a 14mm tumor that is grade 3 is helping to tip that scale a bit. Also you are pretty young and have many years to live the results of the decisions you make now.
These tests are tools to help get a picture of your cancer, but they aren’t the only determinants. I hope you will talk to your doctor and get a better understanding of the reasons they are recommending chemo.
I took those two drugs plus Adriamycin which is a naughty dog of a drug, so it is hard to say how much of my side effects came from it, and not the other drugs.
What I would say is, if you decide to go with it, remember side effects can be controlled pretty well if you ask for help when you need it.
I had to tell myself, I can do anything for a year. In your case it is 3 months.
Do you have a follow up appt. Coming up or can you ask for a call to discuss this?

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I had stage 1A and an intermediate onco score and no chemo but did have a mastectomy (not sure if that matters) I was also only 32 at the time so recommendation from surgeon and two oncologists was no chemo just tamoxifen. Took that for 10 years and I’m ok. Maybe get a second opinion?

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@yt1978

I had stage 1A and an intermediate onco score and no chemo but did have a mastectomy (not sure if that matters) I was also only 32 at the time so recommendation from surgeon and two oncologists was no chemo just tamoxifen. Took that for 10 years and I’m ok. Maybe get a second opinion?

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Got a second opinion and that was no chemo. Tamoxifen and perhaps an LHRH. May I ask what was your tumor size and grade?

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Im 66 Dx 2B IDC Bilateral lumpectomies
Waiting for my Onco results -I’ll let u no
I’m goi g for a bone density , 4 radiation total & AI Lextrazole
No lump node involvemt and Zomac IV q2 mos my oncologist said no chemo but that might change with my results? He didn’t want to order one I don’t think but I wanted one Perhaps Tx Pla. Might change?
Let
Me
No how your Tx evolves

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I had a oncotype score of 36 and was put on those drugs when I was in my mid - 50s. I tolerated the treatment very well. I was teaching high school at the time and the only days I didn't work were the days of the actual infusions. I'm 67 now and had a recurrence of my cancer 1 year ago. I strongly feel the aggressive action my Dr. suggested gave me at least 10 extra years with no recurrence of the cancer.

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I had an Oncotype of 22 - my oncologist told me I did NOT need Chemo. I was also state 1, grade 3. I had radiation only & an AI for 5 years. My 5 years is up in November - I'm currently 68. Maybe it's from your age? I'd get another opinion on the chemo.

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@jbp

I had a oncotype score of 36 and was put on those drugs when I was in my mid - 50s. I tolerated the treatment very well. I was teaching high school at the time and the only days I didn't work were the days of the actual infusions. I'm 67 now and had a recurrence of my cancer 1 year ago. I strongly feel the aggressive action my Dr. suggested gave me at least 10 extra years with no recurrence of the cancer.

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May I ask what kind of steps you took to help with the side effects of chemo? Or was it that your body took it really well? Thank you.

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@jbp

I had a oncotype score of 36 and was put on those drugs when I was in my mid - 50s. I tolerated the treatment very well. I was teaching high school at the time and the only days I didn't work were the days of the actual infusions. I'm 67 now and had a recurrence of my cancer 1 year ago. I strongly feel the aggressive action my Dr. suggested gave me at least 10 extra years with no recurrence of the cancer.

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Do you have any long term side effects?

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@brighterdays

May I ask what kind of steps you took to help with the side effects of chemo? Or was it that your body took it really well? Thank you.

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I was given injections of neupagen to help my wbc count...so I never got any infections even though I was around my students every day. I also did alot of resting on the weekends after my infusions. I bought a bunch of scarves to cover up my hair loss. Food and drink were not appealing so I lost a little weight...but honestly I think just being busy with life helped alot. My chemo ended when the school year did so they gave me the summer off before starting radiation. Of course this was in 2011 so maybe I'm forgetting some of the tough stuff. What I really remember is how kind and thoughtful everyone was during my treatment. Hoping your treatment (if you go that route) goes as smoothly!

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@brighterdays

Do you have any long term side effects?

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The only long term side effect was neuropathy in 2 of my toes. I'm a pretty active person and it never really bothered me....just seems like a part of normal aging. I'm retired now so have time to exercise and think that has really helped me avoid negative side effects. I was also on Tamoxifen for 10 years after chemo and radiation with no major side effects.

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