A sample of my tumour was sent off for an Oncotype dx test last Tuesday. I was told the result would be back in 12 days but the appointment came through this morning and it is not for another two and a half weeks.
I am absolutely agonising over the result of this test. I have coped reasonably well up to now (diagnosed 4 weeks ago, lumpectomy and IORT on Aug 3, post op appointment last Tuesday), but this one is tipping me over the edge, mainly because I cannot quite understand why I am being considered for chemo. My tumour was 3.5cm Grade 2, but I had clear margins and no lymph node involvement. To quote my consultant last Tuesday, I am cancer free right now, so it came as a total shock for chemo to suddenly be under discussion. I will definitely be doing hormone therapy anyway - zoladex + anastrozol - as I am perimenopausal.
I’m sorry if this sounds really dumb. I am just not coping well with this aspect and it is on my mind all day long.
Doesn’t sound dumb at all rosietd. My heart goes out to you.
Have you thought of going to one of the Haven Centres at all? Is there one in your area I went to one last week and I am going for a 1-2-1 assessment next week. Maybe some of the complementary therapies they offer such as Emotional Freedom Technique could be of help to you while you are having to do all this waiting. breastcancerhaven.org.uk/Pages/Category/haven-locations.
I’m in same boat. Are you nhs or private? I’m private and waiting on oncotype dx results but only saw consultant Friday eve and tumour will be sent Tuesday. He said maximum 2 weeks wait. ?? mine is stage 2 6cm with 2/9 nodes involved. The group that meet up to discuss cases say I should be facing chemo but my consultant wants to grade it with the oncotype first. My bcn says prepare for chemotherapy but it’ll be a bonus if I don’t have to face it. It’s such a worrying time isn’t it. I’ve kind of got used to this flaming waiting game now and I always prepare myself for the worst outcome so that any good news is a real boost. My husband thinks I’m crazy but this is how I deal with it ?
I hope the time goes quickly and I hope it’s good news. Xxxxxxx
You’re very lucky to be able to text consultant what a great person he is!! I agree re getting as much info as you can I’m doing same. I want to know absolutely everything so I’m in complete control. Sending hugs xx
Good for you. Mine is oestrogen + so I’ve cut all cows dairy out of my diet. Through research I’ve also eliminated all red meat and sugar (this one slips slightly with dark chocolate and red wine but Jesus we all need something at this stressful time!!!) Bloody hard but if it helps!
I take tumeric each day (2 capsules) after talking to health shop manager where my friend works. Benefits are excellent re fighting cancer cells. Look at work that Chris Woolams has done - his book is now my new bible.
It depends what you’re into but I find the diet side and natural remedies very interesting and will give up anything if it helps me.
I think it’s really important to research everything thoroughly so you go girl!!!
I was in exactly the same position as you early last year. At first I was told that it would be a lumpectomy plus radiotherapy and Tamoxifen, no chemo if my nodes were clear (which they were) to suddenly being told that chemo was a possibility and having to wait nearly 3 weeks (due to Easter being in the middle) for the resilts of the Oncotype testing before a decision would be made about chemo. It was the hardest wait and probably my lowest point throughout. My score came back at the high end of intermediate (28) but also as oestrogen negative. This was retested at The Marsden and confirmed to be positive but the false negative could have resulted in the higher Onco score. Anyway, it was decided that any benefit of chemo would be outweighed by the risks and so I didn’t have it. I really wish that chemo had been mentioned at the beginning rather than suddenly thrown in later, I think I would have coped better.
I am now 18 months down the line and last year is just a memory, as it will be for you too before you know it.
Thinking of all you ladies waiting for results and wishing you all well. Michelle xx
Waiting is such the pits Rosie, it’s something we all struggle with, at least you come come & rant here. It’s not uncommon for friends not to get it & I think we’ve all had surprises on that front.
hugs
hugs
ann x