Hi and thanks for the post

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's situation and can imagine it's difficult trying to process all the information . 

The use of oncotype dx is now well established in people who are lymph node negative, whereas there is still ongoing research into it's efficacy in lymph node positive breast cancer patients. The oncotype test is sometimes used in patients with one positive node although this is not yet properly established. The reason for this is that  an important factor is age , as to whether you are pre or post menopausal, with some studies showing that premenopausal women who are lymph node positive, will benefit from chemotherapy regardless of their oncotype score. However, this is still being looked at.

You can read some more information about the use of the oncotype test here on the Breast Cancer Now website

It might be helpful for your daughter to ask the specialist again for some more specific details about her own situation , as there may be other important factors that may influence treatment such as size and grade of the tumour. There isn't always a 'one size fits all 'approach in the treatment of breast cancer and people will have different treatments depending on their situation.  This can cause confusion and anxiety .

Some people decide to go for a second opinion if there is still some uncertainty or lack of clarity, or if your daughter is hesitant and has not been able to have a good chat about treatment options.

I do hope your daughter gets to have a good discussion with her specialist or specialist nurse about this, as it's important that she is clear about the reasons as to why she will be having any treatment that may be suggested for her.

Please do give us a ring if you would like to talk this through with one of us here on the helpline on Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best

Wanda

Hi and thanks for the post

I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's situation and can imagine it's difficult trying to process all the information . 

The use of oncotype dx is now well established in people who are lymph node negative, whereas there is still ongoing research into it's efficacy in lymph node positive breast cancer patients. The oncotype test is sometimes used in patients with one positive node although this is not yet properly established. The reason for this is that  an important factor is age , as to whether you are pre or post menopausal, with some studies showing that premenopausal women who are lymph node positive, will benefit from chemotherapy regardless of their oncotype score. However, this is still being looked at.

You can read some more information about the use of the oncotype test here on the Breast Cancer Now website

It might be helpful for your daughter to ask the specialist again for some more specific details about her own situation , as there may be other important factors that may influence treatment such as size and grade of the tumour. There isn't always a 'one size fits all 'approach in the treatment of breast cancer and people will have different treatments depending on their situation.  This can cause confusion and anxiety .

Some people decide to go for a second opinion if there is still some uncertainty or lack of clarity, or if your daughter is hesitant and has not been able to have a good chat about treatment options.

I do hope your daughter gets to have a good discussion with her specialist or specialist nurse about this, as it's important that she is clear about the reasons as to why she will be having any treatment that may be suggested for her.

Please do give us a ring if you would like to talk this through with one of us here on the helpline on Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the best

Wanda