Forum Discussion

joeybutts's avatar
joeybutts
Member
12 years ago

decisions decisions

Hi

I am 3 weeks post lumpectomy, removal of 8 nodes, all clear, tumor was ER+, 25mm, grade 2, margins all clear, though one area only had 1mm....and some lymphovascular involvement.

I saw the oncologist yesterday and it is my decision whether or not to have chemo, just 4 sessions...he did suggest a number of times to have the oncotype dx i think it was called, anyway $4,000.00 worth of tissue tests that may or may not tell me my risks of the cancer coming back....is alot of money...I was assuming that i would walk in and be told whether or not its best to have the chemo...

My mind has been spinning since, every 5 mins i change my mind...i look at my daughter and think yep i have to have it because of her...and then think well the radiation and tamoxifen will be enough..then i think of the lymphovascular involvement....the stats for ER+ are pretty good anyway...

Oh dear!...anyone had the oncotype dx test....and has anyone had the lymphovascular involvement....i think this slightly increases the chances of recurrence?....

Hope everyone is doing well....thanks

jo

8 Replies

  • sassy8's avatar
    sassy8
    Member
    12 years ago
    Many thanks for your reply and Im feeling pretty good and prepared for next week. The combination of having ki65 readings of 12%, 15% & hotspots of 18% together with the LVI have me prepared to do chemo.. I too want to know that I've done my best to get rid of any sneaky left overs or escapees and also lower my chances of reoccurrence. Good luck with your treatments - drink plenty of water.....and look after yourself. So happy that you replied. Sal
  • sassy8's avatar
    sassy8
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi everyone, first time on the forum and found this topic to be close to my heart.  I was diognosed with 14mm Stage 2 IDC on 27 Dec 2013, Lumpectomy and Sentinal Node Biopsy, Clear Nodes and single focus of lyphovascular invasion (LVI).  I have done the oncotype DX test and results arrive Monday when I see my surgeon.  Oncologist appointment booked for Wednesday..  At post op meeting with Surgeon she mentioned that the multidisipline team had suggested that Im a candidate for chemo in addition to Rads.  I've been fine the last 2 1/2 weeks during the wait, but getting a bit anxious now - I cant help but think that even if the onco test comes back showing low risk that the fact thay have mentioned the possiblity of chemo - I should have it....  Also having trouble getting info on LVI....  anyone else with this on their post op pathology.

    Many thanks Sal

     

  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    12 years ago

    Well that blew me away, havent heard of any test that cost $4,000 to tell you whether or not you may get cancer back.  No one has mentioned it to me.  I have heard that to have Chemo and Radiation increases survival by 10%.  But its all a little "Crystal Ball" prediction once you finish with the statistics.  I have heard of the testing for the gene, but that was all.  

    I was lucky because my brother is a doctor and I asked him to get a second opinion from another Endocrine Surgeon/Specialist.  They agreed and so I had 6 rounds of chemo, followed by Radiation.  I am triple negative.  I have a bit of blind faith in medicine, and the university study they all go through, and at least that part I had piece of mind.  I would hate to have been told "Now you decide!" - without having studied Medicine!

    The only way you can experience that I guess is to get a second Medical opinion.

    Good luck! Bel

  • AmandaJ's avatar
    AmandaJ
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Jo I had the decision made for me by the oncologist even though I only had a stage one tumour. It was agressive and carried on all three receptors. In spite of how difficult it was, three rounds of FEC followed by three rounds of Doxitaxel, then six weeks of radiation, I'm still glad I did it. Mostly because now I know that I have done everything that I could do to make sure that this was knocked on the head! Should it come back, at least it won't be because of anything thing I left undone. This is your choice, you are the one who has to go through this experience, no one else. Whatever your choice I hope that you have lots of people to love and support you and that you are OK. Take care of yourself and let others take care of you too. Hugs, Amanda
  • AmandaJ's avatar
    AmandaJ
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Jo I had the decision made for me by the oncologist even though I only had a stage one tumour. It was agressive and carried on all three receptors. In spite of how difficult it was, three rounds of FEC followed by three rounds of Doxitaxel, then six weeks of radiation, I'm still glad I did it. Mostly because now I know that I have done everything that I could do to make sure that this was knocked on the head! Should it come back, at least it won't be because of anything thing I left undone. This is your choice, you are the one who has to go through this experience, no one else. Whatever your choice I hope that you have lots of people to love and support you and that you are OK. Take care of yourself and let others take care of you too. Hugs, Amanda
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    The chemo decision is a real tough one.Usually your oncologist wil give you statistics ie.what percentage will you benefit from chemo.It sometimes helps to get another opinion eg your surgeon or another oncologist.In 2003 I had a lumpectomy and radiation and opted NOT to have chemo.I went on Tamoxifen for awhile but didn't follow through for the correct length of time.7 years later the cancer came back in the same spot- so had to have a mastectomy and chemo.However,my oncologist told me that Tamoxifen would give me better protection due to my cancer being eostrogen +ve. All you can do is ask questions,research and then go with what feels right for you at the time. Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    The chemo decision is a real tough one.Usually your oncologist wil give you statistics ie.what percentage will you benefit from chemo.It sometimes helps to get another opinion eg your surgeon or another oncologist.In 2003 I had a lumpectomy and radiation and opted NOT to have chemo.I went on Tamoxifen for awhile but didn't follow through for the correct length of time.7 years later the cancer came back in the same spot- so had to have a mastectomy and chemo.However,my oncologist told me that Tamoxifen would give me better protection due to my cancer being eostrogen +ve. All you can do is ask questions,research and then go with what feels right for you at the time. Tonya xx

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Pretty much like me,and I had chemo based on my oncologists recommendation.I had just 4 rounds of Docetaxel,and I found it really not a problem.:) Yes my hair fell out,and I felt tired for just a few days each round,and I had food cravings,but I am 6 weeks past my last chemo,and I feel bloody great!!! I am on Tamoxifen,which is fine,and I feel very good in the knowledge that I did what I could to prevent a recurrence.All the best with your choice xoxoxRobyn.