Oncotype DX Test: What does it all mean?

I was diagnosed last year with stage 1 ductal cancer with a micro metastasis to the 1st lymph node. I had a lumpectomy and radiation right side. My octo dx test came out 31. I didn’t have chemo. My first yearly mammogram found cancerous calcifications in the left breast. I am now going to have a bilateral mastectomy. Maybe if I’d had chemo....

I was told by my surgeon after mastectomy with clear margins and no lymph node involvement that I would not need chemo or radiation. My oncologist sent my tumor for the oncotype test and it came back at 27. So now I am in the middle of my 4 rounds of chemo. I will be starting on Tamoxifen.

I have Invasive Lobular Carcinoma stage 2, no lymph node involvement. Decided on lumpectomy, Oncotype Test came back 27. I am finishing up 6 months of Chemo next week. I will have 20 treatments of Radiation in a few weeks. Oh... I’m being seen at MD Anderson, in Houston, TX.

@psd8 @montie @1231 @dawn88, welcome to Connect.
The Oncotype DX tool has been helpful in sparing women with early stage breast cancer from having additional treatment when risk of recurrence is very low. For women whose scores are in the mid or intermediate risk range, the choice to have chemo and/or radiation remains tough. I find this explanation of the test and decision-making helpful. https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/oncotype_dx

Dawn and 1231 - how are you managing on chemo?
Psd8 - what type of chemo is being suggested?

The first round was brutal. Second round more tolerable. Round three coming up this week. Thanks for asking.

I have had very minimal side effects with both Taxol (once a week x 12) and FAC (once every 3 weeks x 4). About the only side effect with Taxol, was hair loss. I can tell the FAC is stronger, I’m a little more fatigued and some bloating, but that’s pretty much it. My labs have been amazing the entire time. I’m blessed beyond belief and know I’m probably the exception not the rule!

@1231
If you take Gas X pills, it really helps the bloating.

Thank you!! I will try them tomorrow! I never knew bloating could be such an issue!

@1231
I just remember all the cramping and bloating from the chemo and diarrhea...ugh, but at least a small part could be helped with the good old Gas X!!!

So sorry, sounds encouraging that you did not have lymph node involvement. With that score you might be best to follow doctor advice. I think you will be just fine though. Prayers