Oncotype DX test - for cancer

14 years ago

Has anyone had this test done on a tumor? What were your results, and what did you decide for treatment?

I had a bilateral mastectomy the first of May, and all my cancer indicators point toward NOT needing chemotherapy except for the size of the tumor. That, by itself, normally dictated that chemo should be used.

My oncologist recommended the Oncotype DX test to test the tumor at the molecular level to help make the decision whether chemo is really beneficial for this particular tumor. I'm currently waiting for results (another 10 days to go).

I'm just wondering who all has had the test, and any decisions made based on the test.

Thanks,

StoneyB

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Comments (5)

yborgal
14 years ago
I know nothing about the test, but when are you scheduled to have it done?

Hope the results are in your favor.

Mona
Mystical Manns
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you, Mona. My surgery was May 1, and the tumor was removed then. The hospital pathology lab kept the tumor, and sent a section of it to the lab that performs this test, around the 1st of June. It takes 10 - 14 days for the test, so I'm still waiting ... hoping to have results next week.
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Thanks so much! I just floated all day, knowing that I at least get the CHANCE at not needing chemotherapy. I know I'll be on pins and needles the longer I wait for the results, tho. Monica ... what a stubborn grandbaby you're going to have! LOL! Congratulations to you! Gramzee ... I've got you on my prayer list for your June 17 surgery. I would come stay with you, but don't think I'd better. I'll just be getting back to work on the 15th after being out for six weeks, and don't think they'd be too open to me taking time off again. Janie ... I'm very proud of your DH! Mine won't go to a doctor for any reason. Irishdancersgram ... It's got to be a relief that your MRI produced good results. I hope they do isolate your problem soon and give you some relief! Minivanmom ... YAY! for your daughter not needing a back brace!! That's definitely worth a happy dance! I work with a woman who spent nine months in a back brace while she was a teenager, and she comments often about it. (of course, she's 50 years old so things have naturally improved since then) Patti43 ... oh, I don't know! Once you paint your house, you've got to live with the results for quite some time, so I think having a trim that really makes you happy is a big deal!! Jkayd ... Many blessings to you on your journey ... Femara is the five-year drug I'm leaning toward, too. Doc recommends that or Tamoxifen. I worry about the blood clots with Tamoxifen. I've got to check with my insurance to see if they cover Femara, it's a huge difference in cost.
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linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
14 years ago
Have you heard anything yet?
twolips
14 years ago
Stoney, go to www.breastcancer.org
You do not have to join to look around. I would suggest going to the forum section of the site. There are thousands of women that belong. Do a search for oncotype DX. I am sure you will come up with hundreds of threads and maybe an answer to your question. I belong to the site and love it!
Good luck,
Lori
Mystical Manns
Original Author
14 years ago
I should have come back here and updated ...

My results did FINALLY come back, it took over 2 weeks, and then the onc. wouldn't let me have the results over the phone so there was another 6-day wait for him to have an opening to see me. It was a horrible wait, but well worth it.

My result was 17, which put me at the top of the Low category which ... combined with my other statistics, caused my onc. to NOT recommend Chemo for me. He said the known risks associated with the Chemo are higher than the believed benefit I would receive.

I'm so THANKFUL. I was concerned about the Chemo, I'd found a forum of women taking the same combination he was going to recommend, and there were some pretty serious side-affects going on. I finally figured out that most of the women who don't have problems aren't posting regularly, so this was the handful who DID have problems but by then I was already pretty upset.

So now, on Femora for the next five years to inhibit recurrance, and still healing from the surgery. Plastic Surgeon said it could take a year (!!!!) to be completely back to normal. I hope that's a 'worst-case' scenario and that I don't take nearly that long.

Oncotype DX test - for cancer

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yborgal

Mystical Manns
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Oncotype DX test - for cancer

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yborgal

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twolips

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