I was like you - mind totally blank, didn't ask any questions. They didn't give me a stage but said it was 3cm and high grade but it was in situ with maybe a very small amount of invasion - still testing it for that. Lymph node was clear thankfully. I'm hoping for some confirmation of final diagnosis now they have had a proper look but not sure if/when that happens xx

Hello and thank you for your post, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis of breast cancer.

The Oncotype DX test is used to see if people with early stage breast cancer need to have chemotherapy. There is clinical guidance about who should be offered it.

Currently NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) recommend the Oncotype DX test for people with intermediate grade (grade 2) breast cancer with all of the following: stage 1 or 2 disease (early breast cancer), no cancer cells in the lymph nodes, oestrogen receptors in their cancer cells (oestrogen receptor positive) and their cancer cells have a small number of HER2 receptors (HER2 negative).

We have information about this on our website, which you can see here 

Not every person with breast cancer needs to have chemotherapy. If you think you might need to be offered the test then do get back in touch with your breast cancer team and ask them about having it.

I do not know if you will get a period, to be considered menopausal you would usually not have had a period for a year. You could ask your breast team about this because the type of hormonal treatment you will be given will be determined by your menopausal status.  It might help to read more about the different hormonal treatments used for breast cancer on our website here 

I hope this has helped. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Take care,

Caroline 

Afternoon Caroline thank you so very much for your reply. I am so very distressed with this. I think having my results appointment cancelled for two weeks in a row has sent me into a bit of a spiral. 

I meet all the above criteria in the Nice guidelines, although I don't know stage or size consultant did say it was early stage. I'm waiting for a call back from the breast team I just don't know what rights I have to ask for the test to be considered.

I have gone through cauda equina syndrome,  left with bladder and leg nerve damage. I'm on immunosupressants for ulcerative colitis.  I try and stay as up beat as much as possible even though I'm in pain a lot of the time. I'm currently waiting list for a spinal cord simulator too. I take meds for depression but I've been really good but this is taking its toll. I am scared this stress is going to flare up the colitis and possibly sink myself into depression again. 

I feel like getting the test will help me cope with my stress and stop me worrying that the cancer is still in me and I'm not treating it properly. I know it's probably irrational but I can't seem to get to the point of where those close around me are. Everyone is so happy with my results and I'm pretending to be happy and relieved, it's just difficult.

As I type I have spoken with the breast nurse who confirmed stage 1, grade 2, er+ her2- and pr+  Initially she was saying that it was that I should just have radiotherapy but having discussed further and explained my concerns and my history she said she would speak to my consultant and my breast care nurse and oncology to give them the heads up. She said she would try and find out their hospital guidelines for someone to be offered the test. I explained that I had looked at the Nice guidelines and I think that I fall within them but I could be wrong. My appointment for oncology isn't going to be for another few weeks so will have to wait. 

As always with this site thank you for allowing me the space to offload. There aren't many people who know about my diagnosis and keeping it secret from my daughter 22 who lives with us has been particularly hard. Having this outlet and people's experiences as well as nurse guidance really is worth it's weight in gold. Thank you x