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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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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Jan 29 10:38am
In reply to @eb28 "I am really interested in these posts. I just got my oncotype back and it was..." + (show)
@eb28

I am really interested in these posts. I just got my oncotype back and it was 17 so intermediate and I am 42. I was actually really disappointed. My oncologist is adamant chemo isn't necessary. I am starting on radiotherapy and having Tamoxifen. However I had heard about ovarian suppression as well and she said we would discuss this when I see what side effects I have with Tamoxifen.

I feel very uneasy about not having the chemo when there is a small benefit. I am also getting myself very concerned about ovarian suppression ( I had no idea this was a possibility for me ) Does anyone have any experience of this or thoughts the intermediate oncotype

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Remember the choice is always yours to make, with your doctor. If you really feel uneasy about this, a second opinion never hurts. A good doctor never feels slighted when you get one, but you can just go get one if you want to feel reassured you have all the information.
I will say they are finding chemo is unnecessary in fewer cases than previously believed. Chemo is not a fun experience, but as you said you are pretty young and your choices now are really important. Because I was also young, I did everything including oopherectomy, but there really weren’t any other options for me.
Are you comfortable with trusting your doctors recommendations alone or would you like to get a second opinion?

REPLY
jbp | @jbp | Jan 29 8:00pm
In reply to @lifetraveler "Dear Jbp@jbp: Sorry to learn about the recurrence of the BC:( I admire your positive thinking..." + (show)
@lifetraveler

Dear Jbp@jbp:

Sorry to learn about the recurrence of the BC:(

I admire your positive thinking attitude and courage to share your experience with us! I am wondering whether the recurrence' happening on the same side or the other? Since you had done all you'd been offered - chemo, radiation treatments and years of AIs...

Thanks again for sharing your personal experience to guide us! Wishing you well and healthy, happily striving forward on the journey ahead!

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The recurrence was metastases in my liver and bones. Much more likely to occur than in the breast.

REPLY
1 reply
lifetraveler | @lifetraveler | Jan 30 6:39am
In reply to @jbp "The recurrence was metastases in my liver and bones. Much more likely to occur than in..." + (show)
@jbp

The recurrence was metastases in my liver and bones. Much more likely to occur than in the breast.

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You are in my thoughts and prayers, dear @jbp, for we are comrades in spirit...

Thanks again for your advice!

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kathyomaha55 | @kathyomaha55 | Jan 31 10:04am

Mine was very similar, Stage 1, grade 3. But my Oncotype was 22. They told me I did not need chemo. I had IDC with a lumpectomy and 21 radiation treatments. I was 62 & long past menopause. During the lumpectomy - they found 3 tumors - close to my chest wall. Have genetic testing as well. I close to take an AI - changed drugs once to get one I could tolerate. They recommended 5 to 10 years. I made it to 5. I declined another 5 years as I'm 68 now & they said the reoccurrence rate would only drop by < 3% with another 5 years. Side effects were not worth another 5 years for me. I agree, a reoccurrence is most likely in the bones, brain, liver & lungs. Personally I'd get another opinion. You need to trust your doctor & the recommended treatments. It's a personal choice, so good luck.

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gags1 | @gags1 | Jan 31 1:32pm

I too would get another opinion. My understand Onco of 26 and higher typically they push for chemo. To me that seems like a very low onco for chemo. My onco was 9 and my oncologist said no chemo. Again .. 26 and above is standard .. I got three opinions…. All agreed….

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