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Pathology report said all cancer taken out with lumpectomy, and none found in lymph node. But doctors are recommending chemo and radio. I am tending toward not doing it. The percentages (21 vs 14) don't really justify it for me. Any advice? Thanks

February 5, 2015 (edited)
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A MyBCTeam Member

My Oncotype came back a 44 - high risk I'm still doubting I need chemo based on my diagnoses. Hormone positive Her2 neg I had a mastectomy as well. All surgeons said no chemo. Then one test comes back and the oncologist said I needed it. I don't want it at all. Tamoxifen is projected to help me by 70%. I'm good with that! I know I sound crazy but my gut is screaming no chemo!

May 16, 2016
A MyBCTeam Member

I was also stage 1 (invasive lobular ) I had the lumpectomy and rad with a oncotype of 20, so I chose not to do the chemo . I was in the gray area so it was up to me . Your oncotype score should help u decide if the chemo is worth it ! Best of luck to you :)

June 26, 2015 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

I had a lumpectomy with good 1 cm borders. I was told by my surgeon that he got it all and I needed no further treatment. Lymph glands were clear. I wasn't comfortable with that and was told by a second opinion doc that I should have radiation or mastectomy. Since I have a heart condition and my cardiologist did not want me to have radiation, I opted for mastectomy. Surprise!! the pathology came back from the mastectomy and there were still cancer cells in my breast. Only you know what you can live with emotionally and what statistics you are comfortable with.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

February 10, 2015 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

Chemo and radiation were hard but very doable. 3 years later and I just remember being very tired. I was 3c w 30% chance of recurrance w 25 positive lymph nodes. I have neuropathy and continuing fatigue and just found out I am stage 4 now with it in my ovaries. Dr thinks it could have been there all along and was just not big enough to show in scans. Who knows...i wouldnt have if i hadnt had my ovaries removed. Do what you feel in your gut is right for you! For me chemo and rad were much scarier than they turned out to be.

February 7, 2015
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member what type of cancer did your mom have? Estrogen, prog, HER?

February 6, 2015

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