I tried posting earlier but nothing came up so I thought I'd try again.
In answer to your question yes, I did the test in July and waited about 3-4 weeks for a result. Thankfully my score was low so I did not have the chemo. The oncologist made the decisions for me not to go ahead with chemo. I'm still not sure how I met the criteria. I had a lumpectomy, stage 2 with micro metastis sentinel lymph node which was removed.
I have only just completed my radiotherapy and am taking an aromatise inhibitor for 5 years.
I take comfort from the fact that the genes for the test are taken from my cancer and the results and ultimate decisions are based on that. I also take the view that it was a second opinion to decide whether chemotherapy in my case would be beneficial or not and I have put my total trust in the medical teams making the decisions for me. I wish you all the best and hope this helps.
I'm doing okay although I've had a few issues along the way. I ended up having two planning sessions for radiotherapy because they were unhappy with the positioning and a mould was created to make me more comfortable. I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy, two of which were missed and tagged on the end. One of the machines broke down and caused a backlog so we were asked to re-schedule and another session was postponed because I developed a urinary infection which meant I couldn't travel that day otherwise all went according to plan. I had a 40 mile round trip to the hospital everyday and had to get there earlier to get parked. the times were all varied some mornings, some afternoons and some evenings up to 8pm. Most of the sessions were in the same room and I got to know most of the teams of radiologists who were all really nice and friendly. The majority of the time is taken up with positioning and the treatment itself was minutes.
I am fair skinned and feared I would burn but apart from a bit of redness and a tiny amount of tenderness I think I am doing okay. I was told to expect the side effects to peak about 2 weeks or so after treatment but I think it is already starting to settle. The only issue I have now is under my arm where they removed the lymph node, that area is a bit sore and is starting to peel. I contacted the hospital yesterday and was advised to ask my GP for Flamazine which is a cream for open wounds to prevent infection and promote healing.
I wish you well with the chemo. I am sure you will get into some kind of routine.
Well had my first chemo monday...........felt ok but down hill since. Can't smell anything properly, feel so sick. :(............so tired and don't fancy any food at all.
I'm sorry to hear you've been feeling low, hopefully after a few days your symptoms will improve. I personally have no experience of the effects of chemotherapy so cannot give advice. Hopefully others on this forum can help. I'm thinking of you and sending you positive and healing thoughts. Hang in there my friend.
