Borderline oncotype results and making chemotherapy decision

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in turmoil over oncotype results, I was diagnosed in January with two stage 2 tumours in my left breast. I had my surgery 6 weeks ago and when the pathology report came back one of my lymph nodes was posative. 

My onco test results came back today at 26.if it had come back at 25 I would of been at low risk for reacurrance. After speaking to my oncologist today she says my results are right on border line so I would only have a 3 to 5 percent increased chance of benefiting from chemotherapy. Given the current climate with corona virus I am terrified of making the wrong choice. Any guidance would be greatly appreciate. 

Thank you joanne

 

 

 

 

  • Hello Joanne, 

    I can imagine that as your results are borderline this is a really difficult decision to have to take in the current climate. I hope you will hear from some of our forum members who may have had to make a similar decision in the past. It might be worth asking your oncologist what they think would be the best thing to do in your particular circumstances and whether they have any guidance to help you make the right decision. 

    Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm if you wanted to talk things through with them so don't hesitate to give them a call. 

    I hope you don't mind but I have slightly edited your title to make it easier for others who have been in a similar situation before to spot your post and comment. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

     

  • ​can I ask how old you are please as mine is 16 and I. Nearly 46 thanks 

  • Chemo is not too bad, particually if youre young. My wife has just gone through it- she had minimal hair loss, remained healthy and active throughout, and i didnt really notice any significant changes in how she behaved. She went to the gym regaully, cycled most days and even went on a few runs.

    5% is better than 0%, and its probably more reassuring to go through it. Remember its only nine weeks, which is nothing compared to the rest of your life. 

    I also had a friend who was border line, turned chemo down, and within a year had mets in her bones. 

    What you need to do is reduce the risk as much as possible. 

  • Hi I am happy to hear that your wife coped with chemo so well and I completely understand having an extra chance is better than none. My mum is 73 and had a lumpectomy in both breasts, her nodes and margins were both clear, however the treatment offered was 24 weeks of chemo followed by radiotherapy but my mum doesn't want to go through the six months of chemo as side effects are so severe and given her age too, she also lost her sister to cancer earlier this year and she deteriorated really quickly due to chemo. In your experience with your friend choosing not to have chemo and the cancer returning do they regret their decision and did doing so limit treatment options? Hope that both your wife and friend are doing well now