Hello ginbin73
Thank you for your post
The Oncotype DX predicts how likely it is that your cancer will return and the likely benefit to you of chemotherapy.
All treatment decisions after a diagnosis of breast cancer should be discussed by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). You may find the following webpage helpful to read more about this.
An Oncotype score of 23 sometimes means that chemotherapy is recommended. The meaning of the score will depend on whether you are over or under 50 years old regardless of your menopausal status. Sometimes the test might not give a clear result, in which case you may need further discussions with your treatment team regarding the benefit for you from having chemotherapy.
Whilst hormonal treatments and ovarian suppression are beneficial treatments in ER/PR positive breast cancers, it’s not clear whether you had chance to discuss this fully with the consultant, and if it was explained to you why the decision to have chemotherapy had been changed after discussion by the MDT.
It sounds as though it would be a good idea to talk this through further with your breast care nurse or consultant so you can explain how you are feeling. It can be difficult to decide what to do when it’s not clear if chemotherapy may be of benefit. Some people feel very strongly that they want to have every treatment that might give them benefit (no matter how small). Others in this situation feel they do not want to go through the treatment and the possibility of side effects, some of which may be long term.
It’s important to have as much information as possible to help you make your decision. It may be useful to use these questions to find out more about each of the treatments:
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How much benefit may I get from the treatment?
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What side effects may I experience?
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What can be done to reduce these?
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Are there any long-term effects?
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How often will I have treatment?
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How long will treatment take?
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can also be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. They’ll be a phone call or email away to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
We are currently evaluating this service and would appreciate your feedback. Please click here to the survey. It should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form t icking the box agreeing to a call back.
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Best wishes
Rosey
Breast Care Nurse
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