Oncatype DX Test Results

Yes, I had the test done in July and I scored 15 and a 9% chance of recurrence. My oncologist told me that I therefore definately didn't need chemo. She felt that radiotherapy and tamoxifen for the next five years would suffice - I hope she's right. I had been dreading falling into the grey area and having to make the decision for myself, it's so hard to know what to do.
I asked the oncologist what would my situation be if that test didn't exist (it only became available in Ireland last October). She said that then she would be recommending chemo because I am pre menopause at 46. Sorry I'm not much help to you. Best of luck with your decision.

Hi Girls,
Excuse my ignornance, what exactly is this test?

Shirls

As far as I'm aware the onco test is only done on node negative women to decide whether or not they would benefit from having chemo. It is a tough decision to be left with at the end of the day, but, it does give you control over your treatment. Having had 54 nodes removed in June with 13 positive, my oncologist laid it out straight that chemo was defo on the cards for me. Started AC on Monday sep 3rd. So far so good! Fatigue being the only major side effect. Will have 3 more AC, then 12 taxol and rads.
Sorry for long involved post. First time. But the women on here have truly been an inspiration to me since my diagnosis.
Best of luck to all of you. X

Hi Mimi

It is a tough one when you fall into the grey area. For me it was clearcut - one positive node, a 4.5m tumour but most imporantly my age (39 at diagnosis) that made my onc recommend chemo.

The fear of chemo and the associated hair loss is worse than the chemo itself, assuming of course that you dont have significant side effects. I had way more good days than bad days on chemo and about 18months after loosing it, my hair was nearly the bobbed lenghth it was when I was diagnosed.

You could consider getting a second option if time and money allows.

Good luck with your choice.

Lindylu

If it's any consolation, a friend of mine in the UK is also being treated for BC. She is after having her second lot of chemo and so far no sickness and goes out for a jog most days !!

I would have liked to get the onco test, to put my mind at rest , but was told they don't test on tumours under 2cm even thought my cancer was the usual type that they would test. So I have to trust them now and hope they are right. My biggest fear is cancer returning. Does anyone know at your first 6 month check up do they do a mammogram. Think I will need proof in black and white before I believe the cancer removed. Think I will have to beg for mammogram then as this is doing my head in. I was great at the start but now seem to eat, and sleep the c word. Can't get it out of my head , hope my mind clears soon. To think just over 10 weeks ago I was told, feels like 10 months if not years.But only yesterday I actually understood ,when on 26 June getting my results and my cancer dr kept saying do I realise how lucky I am that I went for this mammogram which spotted the cancer. ( 13jan 1012 normal result, 18 th may 2012 cancer ) I really should have not gone again for 2 years and as mine was IDC God knows where
it would have spread by then. Yes I am lucky, got a huge fright only yesterday when everything seemed to only click with my brain. Gosh this really all happened me !!!!!!!!!! Can't wait for the day I don't wake up and think of that c word. And cos I look ok getting fed up with people saying " you look fine " while inside I feel crap. Ah well weekend off rads. Enought ranting for one day but it feels better to get it off your chest. ( excuse the pun )
Take care all
G x

Hi G
It's a toughie really when you feel like you are off in no-man's land after being treated for cancer. I really can't comment as I had no option but to have chemotherapy. However, I do know that I was diagnosed in February 2011, surgery in March 2011 and had my mammogram/ultrasound/mri in March 2012.
I'm wondering would you have a good talk with your Breast Care Nurse or even ring the Irish Cancer Society Helpline who might talk you through your recurrence risk, because I know that no matter what you read and what the professionals say, sometimes it does no harm to hammer it out with those who know what you are going through. There is also always the option of a second opinion but I'm not really sure how far that will get you either as there is a fairly comprehensive rule of thumb when it comes to deciding what is the best decision for patients.
If it's any help, I'm pretty sure there is not one single person on this forum who can say that they never have the smallest voice in their head asking "Will the cancer come back?" I suppose I get past it by thinking I am alive today and don't look to far down the future - who knows what can happen in this crazy life!!
I also know exactly what you mean when you say you are fed up with people saying "you look fine" - the irony is that I know I haven't looked as well in a long time and totally understand that people are sincerely saying it as they know what I have been through and you have to remember that you are a hero in some peoples eyes. So I have now changed my attitude to these comments too and think, "yeah, damn right I look fine" and smile and say thank you because they could be telling me I look like a heap of crap, even though I very well may feel like the walking dead!
Also, I'm a great advocate of people going to support centres - it takes courage to do it, as it might feel like you are asking for help, (and God forbid we might actually have to admit to needing help!!) but I was amazed that I came away out of it thinking that I quite possible could have been of help to someone else while I was there.
Take care and I hope everything goes well x