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DiscussionOpting out of radiation or chemo
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Dec 31, 2023 | Replies (98)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hi What qualifications do you need for oncotype testing? I am waiting for pathology dcis in..."
Having DCIS is qualification enough to request the Oncotype DCIS genetic test. It will tell you the percentage of chance for reoccurrence or new bc. My percentage was in the low range so I opted for a lumpectomy & no radiation, even though it was highly recommended, much to the dismay of my Oncologist. I did a lot of research on radiation & the meds & didn’t feel it was worth the risk of potential bad side effects. Another factor in my decision was that the breast can only be radiated one time so if there is a reoccurrence or other type of bc, the only option left would have been mastectomy. Since I do have an higher than normal chance for getting bc again I wanted to leave my options open. Also chose to not take the hormone suppression meds. My lumpectomy pathology report showed no cancer at all was present. It was apparently all removed in my stereotactic biopsy. I do faithfully get a yearly mammogram & 1 diagnostic mammogram on that breast (for 5 years) to catch anything that might show up. So far my mammograms this year were perfectly clear. I wish you the best on the decision you make!!