Grade 3 Oncotype Test Chemo decisions
Hi all, I’m in the challenging time of making decisions about chemo and would love to hear experiences from others journey particularly with any similar cancer. I have had lumpectomy on left breas...
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Hi Chan7
I was 50 when diagnosed. IDC stage 2 grade 3, 2cm, 1 lymph node positive, ER+ PR+ HER2 -. I had a lumpectomy, chemo, radiation and am now on letrozole, Goserelin injections monthly and abemaciclib for 2 years. I was diagnosed in October 2023.
My oncologist strongly advised me to have chemo, mainly because of the high grade of cancer which put me at a higher risk of reoccurance. He told me even without the lymph node being positive he would still recommended chemo because of the high grade.
I decided that I'd do whatever was recommended, throwing everything at it, and I'm comfortable with the decisions I made.
It's an overwhelming time with lots of things happening. Ask to have another chat with your oncologist, and speak to your McGrath nurse if you have one, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions to help you make these decisions.
All the best Katie
Hi Katie46,
I am 62 and have been diagnosed with the same cancer as you. My Oncologist wants to do chemo first for my case. I'm so unsure about chemo so would love your advice please. They would be doing a 3 weekly treatment for 3 months.
Thanks, Jill
Hi Jill
I can only say that I went with the advice given to me by my oncologist, he strongly recommended that I do chemo.
I did 4 rounds of doxorubicin/ac chemo every 2 weeks, and then 12 weekly sessions of paclitaxel, radiation and I'm now on hormone blockers.
If you are unsure, have a chat with your McGrath Nurse if you have one, mine were wonderful and happy to explain everything again. It's an overwhelming time, don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.
I found chemo was manageable, I avoided the worst side effects, and I got through it.
All the best, Katie
Thanks so much for replying Katie,
I hope you are well now as it sounds like you really have it your all!
Im still waiting for Oncotype result due next week. However such an amazing thing happened yesterday. I went to discuss all the hormone therapies with my oncologist and we revisited my histopathology and in the last week the pathologists had reviewed the microscopic results and issued a supplement report that down graded the grade from 3 to 2!
Im hopeful this is a good sign the oncotype will hopefully come back low in which case I will likely opt for radiation and hormone therapies and not chemo.
It’s quite a rollercoaster of highs and lows so I am celebrating this new news!
:)
Hi Chan7,
I'd love to know where you landed with your results and decision. I'm in a VERY similar situation, with very similar results.
I'm 47 and have Grade 3, ER+ PR+ , Ki67 20%, LVI present.
Lymph nodes clear.
One of my numerous treatment options is pre-cautionary chemo, and I'm currently deciding whether to go ahead with molecular profiling. I feel that if it can prevent me having chemo (as I would prefer radiation and hormone therapies), it will be worth the cost.
I'm very keen to read which path you've chosen.
