They would have sent some samples to the US for her oncotype DX test. They are doing the same for me. That's her recurrence score (0 to 100).The chemo is just an added protection to try and stop it reoccurring. You sound like a wonderful caring friend, she's very lucky to have you.

Hi Denise and thank you for your post.

I am sorry to hear about your friend. This must be a difficult time for her, her family, and for you as a friend.

Because we are not involved in your friend’s care I'm afraid we cannot tell you exactly how this will go.  Your friend’s prognosis would depend on her general health and fitness and how well she responds to treatment. Her hospital specialist would be best placed to answer any questions on her prognosis once they have all the information from biopsies and scans, and her response to the treatment is seen. I hope the following information will help you.

When the hospital specialists know the grade, stage and type of breast cancer, they can discuss at their multi-disciplinary team meeting what treatment would be the most suitable.

The test sent to America appears to be testing for Oncotype DX, which predicts the likelihood of breast cancer spreading to other parts of the body. It helps the specialists know which treatment pathways would be the most beneficial to try and ensure the cancer does not return.

Everyone copes with a cancer diagnosis very differently; there is no one right way to deal with it. You may find our supporting someone with cancer page useful to read and do remember to look after yourself during this time too. 

The hospital where your friend is being treated may have a cancer information and support centre, sometimes these are run by the hospital or Macmillan  Cancer Support. Or, there may be a Maggie's Centre where you can go to speak to someone and get some support.  Both these centres may also provide benefits advice.

Also, your friend may have a breast care nurse (BCN) who is part of the medical team caring for your friend. They provide information and support and will know about any other local help for your friend. 

I hope this helps you understand your friends situation.

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.

Kind regards,

Tina

Hi - and thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me and for your kind words.

The information about the DX test score and what it means is especially helpful.

I really hope you get a favourable number on the 0-100 scale, and that the following treatment (whatever it is) goes very well for you.

Do let me know, if you would like to - I would really like to know you are OK!

Bless you.

Denise xx

I was very lucky, my score was 14, my daughter heard 12, so which ever it was I'm very lucky. Under 25 means no chemo. I would have done it but very happy I don't have to. August 22nd, I start radiotherapy for 5 days and 5 years of hormone blockers. I consider myself extremely lucky. My lumpectomy had clear margins (no cancer cells in the healthy tissue taken from around the tumour) and my lymph node, 4 taken, were clear. Chemo is very doable, not everyone reacts in the same way to it so it's a wait and see. Every little helps and if this is what it takes to keep your friend well, then so be it. It'll be worth it. I'll say it again, you sound a wonderful friend, she's very lucky x

Hi!

I have been wondering how your radiotherapy went and how you are doing now?

I really hope the treatment went well and that you are fully recovered and looking forward to the future.

Hugs

Denise x

Hi Denise, all done and dusted and I came through it really well. No major burns and my skin held up really well. I've been plastering on loads of moisturiser so that helped. I have a little fatigue but besides that, all good. And thankyou for asking, that was very kind. How is your friend ? Everything is crossed for her x

Oh I'm so pleased to hear that, bless you!

Now you can get on with the rest of your life

My friend has just had chemo 5 - she's lost her hair and felt very tired and often ill like she has a fever/chills, but hasn't had the sickness/vomiting she was dreading, so that's good. She's made the most of any 'good days' by appreciating a walk, her garden, some sunshine etc, so that's also helped to keep her spirits up.

Chemo finishes on Nov 2nd, then there's a rest before radiotherapy starts, so she has a way to go yet, but so far so good.

Take care, lovely lady - big hugs x

The radio won't be anywhere as bad as chemo. It's a lot to go through bless her. She is very lucky to have someone who cares so much about her. I've seen so many people who don't have a good support network. You have a good heart x

As have you - not least for taking the time and care to reply to this thread in order to help others!

I will tell her what you say about radiotherapy - thank you for that, lovely.

Blessings and love to you xx