Hello and thanks for posting

I am sorry to hear about your situation and can appreciate it can be difficult decision choosing between standard treatment or a trial.

I'm afraid no one on the forum can tell you exactly what you should do but hopefully other people in a similar position may be able to share their experiences with you.

We have some more information about the OPTIMA trial here on our website. The optima trial uses what is called the prosigna test that looks at 50 different genes in cancer tissue samples to assess if chemotherapy treatment is needed post surgery when it has spread to the lymph nodes. These test results guides whether a woman will be given chemotherapy plus hormones or just  hormone treatment.

It is however a randomised study which means not all patients will go on to have the prosigna test but some will be put in the control group that will have the standard chemo plus hormone treatment and this is a random selection made by a computer.Therefore even if you do opt to take part in the trial you may end up with the standard treatment anyway which is worth bearing in mind. 

Do talk this through with your doctor or breast care nurse if you have one as they can answer any other questions you may have. You are welcome to get back in touch any time or if you would like to call our helpline and speak with one of the nurses our number is 0808 800 4040 we are here Mon-Fri 9am till 5pm.

Best wishes

Naomi

Hi,

What did you decide in the end? I have been tested and have been put forward for radiotherapy. I'm in pieces as one side of my family have had cancer, though not breast cancer. 
 

k

Bit late for me now to say this here but will do anyway in case it helps others. You can pull out if Optima at any point and out of chemo at any point so whatever is advised the choice remains yours IF you want to do that. I have been advised radiotherapy and would like to see the actual full results which I assume I'm entitled to as medical records with my nane on. But am down for  radiotherapy.