Should I do chemo?

Hello, 31 years old, tumor 1.4 centimeters,grade II, er/pr +.her2neu-, node negative.. lumpectomy with slnb.., OncoDx score 13.  If I did chemo Taxotere/Cytoxan for 4 rounds, after that 33 treatments of radiation, tamoxifen, and then my OBG said it would be good idea to have hysterectomy.  My oncologist is saying chemo would only give me an add 4% chance..is that a validated number with young women?  Is the OncoDx validated with young women?  I work in a lab so I am used to seeing cancer cells and all the side cancers..at least under a scope.  I am going to see another specialist for a second opinion.  Also very frustrated because I really wanted a total mastectomy and doctor kept saying it was not indicated.  They have served their purpose..I do not need them to be a real woman..and it is my body why the denial?  How many women my age forgo chemo in my early stage and what happens to them..these are numbers I would like to see.

[sugarmama138]

I would opt out of the chemo but go for the double masectomy.  I had six months of chemo and don't regret one second of it but in my case chemo reduced reoccurance by 25%.  You are right. . they have served their purpose.  I am 36 years old and had my left breast removed after finding a 5cm tumor. . .I wanted both off at the time of surgery(3 days after diagnosis) but the surgeon thought I needed more time to think about it.  I have finished my treatments and have a surgery date of May 29th to remove my right breasts.  Don't get me wrong, I was gifted with beautiful 34D size breasts but they are not worth my life.  I have 25% chance of reoccurance but I want a 99.99% chance new breast cancer doesn't develop.  How do you get breast cancer without any boobs?  

[MOTORCYCLEMAMA]

Thank you so much for your reply.  I was scheduled for a second opinion this past Monday..but they scheduled me with a surgical oncologist insteade of an oncologist at I.U. I have to wait another week to see, but I did get to talk to the nurse some more about how I had really wanted the entire breast taken off and she said she would keep me on file..and when I was done making decisions about chemo and/or treatment I could give them a call about mastectomies and reconstruction if I choose that.  I am very sorry that you too have to face this battle but it is so refreshing to hear from someone my own age. Sometimes I feel like a loner out there, trying to compare my specifics with others only to find that our ages are very far apart and you do not know how much that plays into it or not. Is the same doctor who removed your left breast going to do your right?  I have been told that breast cancer can come back even in the smallest amounts of tissue left behind but it seems to me that it would be easier to find if there was less tissue to feel through.  I do not know it you are like me or not but I have fiborcystic breasts and on any given day I am lumpy all over the place.  It is very unerving.  Are you going to have reconstruction?  I hope everything goes well with your next surgery.  I am glad to hear that your chemo went well..it is encouraging to hear.

[PaulMD]

Hi there!

The figures that your oncologist quoted are fairly accurate.  Your OncoDx score means that you have a low risk of recurrence and that the benefit that you will get from chemotherapy will be less (about actually 4%).  You can find out more about OncoDx from this website:
http://www.genomichealth.com/oncotype/about/patresults.aspx

The decision if you would go with chemotherapy will be up to you and your doctor to discuss.  If you feel that the 4% is not worth taking the risks of side-effects of chemotherapy (which your oncologist should explain), then you can pass on the treatment.  The radiation is recommended since you didn't have a mastectomy.  The tamoxifen is to block the ER receptors and will give you additional survival percentages.  Hysterectomy is also something to think about since every operation would likewise entail risks.

I agree with you consulting other doctors about this for this is really not an easy decision to make, and I admire you for it.  God bless you and regards....