Hi Marie, 

I noticed that you hadn't had a response to your post and wanted to just check in with you and ask how your appointment with the Oncolgist went. 

I hope that you're feeling a little less nervous today. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

Hi thanks for your reply !

I saw the oncologist yesterday and the Oncotype test has been sent off to determine if I need chemo therapy they talked a lot about chemo and side affects they have to prepare you mentally even if you don't end up needing it so it's just waiting 2 weeks now for results I need to score 25 or under to be at low risk of reoccurrence anything over that will definitely mean chemo is needed the waiting   is the worst I'm trying to keep busy preparing for Christmas as I'd be starting the treatment whichever it's going to be chemo or radiation will start 1st or 2nd week in December I'm just worried in case I'm poorly with side effects over Christmas not nice for kids and grandkids but I'm sure we'll work together as a family on this .

marie x

Hi Marie, I had an oncotype test done and agree the waiting is horrendous. Mine came back at 23 so the decision was mine as to whether I wanted chemo or not. This was tough as I wanted them to tell me what to do but they left it to me. They gave me a week to think about it. I weighed up the pros and cons and decided against chemo. I just couldn’t get the figures to work to make me have it. This is obviously a personal choice that I may or may not regret. Hopefully not! Just be prepared to have to make the choice. Good luck hope it comes back low. Nicky xxx

Hi thanks for your reply I hope my numbers are lucky 25 or below its like waiting to win the lottery i keep telling myself I'm not having it and that's that ! the oncologist said considering my age and cancer status he didn't think I'd need it but he couldn't make any promises depends on the results did they tell you what the risk of reoccurrence if you didn't have the chemo therapy ?

best wishs Marie x

Hi Marie yes I think they said around 6% benefit. To me that meant 94% were potentially over treated and chemo comes with risks so it was a no from me. I did chat to my family and I work in the hospital I’m treated at so talked to some medics who although aren’t breast surgeons or oncologists they agreed it was a small risk. The thing for me was they couldn’t guarantee it wouldn’t come back with chemo anyway so that helped me make the decision. I’m 47 and pre menapusal , my tumour was 42mm but no node involvement so I’m trying to carry on with life.  It’s a tough decision but you will know what feels right for you. When do you get your results xx

Good news today from my oncologist my Oncotype score was 20 so chemo therapy isn't recommended  just radiation and hormone blockers starting on 9th December I'm so relieved this alful waiting is over and I can now move forward with the treatment plan .

best wishs marie xx

Fantastic news Marie, on to the next step. Best wishes nicky xxx

My situation is very similar to yours, I had results after my surgery, my cancer is invasive stage 2 20mm lumpectomy and NAC with clear margins 3 nodes removed 2 were clear 1 had a micromet.

 I couldn't take a thing in at my appointment with the surgeon, good job hubby was with me to explain, I was totally unprepared for it, never heard of this test before, but boy you certainly find things out fast.

Its now the big wait for the results, consultant said 2 weeks but nurse said it would be Christmas before I see the Oncologist, I'm trying to fill my time with exciting things to do, tonight I went to the theatre, tomorrow I'm thinking of going to a Christmas lantern parade and Sunday I'm going to a doll show.  I don't think I'll be feeling much like doing anything once I get my results, so may as well do it now.