Forum Discussion
Hi Kazza, have they talked about the possibility of an Oncotype DX test? I am 45 and was similar to you, borderline for chemo. I was prepared to do it but my medical team said I should do the Oncotype test. So a slice of my tumour was sent to America where they test the activity of 21 genes in it to predict my recurrence score and the likely benefit of chemo. It came back as very low ... a 9 which means I have a 9% recurrence risk after taking Tamoxifen for 5 years. It also said chemo wouldn't provide any benefit so the doctors said definitely don't do it. A score under 18 is low-risk and no chemo, 18-30 is borderline and over that is yes to chemo. The test is expensive, it cost me $4000 out-of-pocket but I think it is worth it to help with decision making and to avoid doing chemo for no benefit. Good luck with your decision, Jacqui