Will I benefit from chemo?

[sstough]

I have recently had a lunpectomy. The tumor was ductal carcinoma. 1.3 cm in size. Low grade. Node negative and hormone receptive. I am 51 years old, no family history or risk factors. I have taken fenhrt for 8 years. I have a score of 16 on the OncotypeDX test. My oncologist said I fall into a "grey area" as far an chemotherapy. He has explained the risk versus rewards, but is leaving the decision up to me. I will have radiation and tamoxifen. What should I base my decision on? I don't know what to do.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I would advise you to discuss this in detail with your oncologist and family members. It would be best to ask your doctor about the benefits and the side effects, the drugs you will be given and the number of cycles of chemotherapy.

All this information will help you make a better decision.

An alternative approach is you could continue with the radiation and hormone therapy - since you mention that your tumor is hormone receptive - and continue regular follow ups with your oncologist. A re-evaluation and re-assessment could then be done, and the decision about chemotherapy taken then.

Do keep us posted about your progress.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[often]

Ask the onc what the difference would be in your survival rate...if you have a 95% chance of survival without the chemo, and chemo would improve your chance by 50%...then you are talking a 2.5% improvement with the chemo.  Always have the docs give you the absolute numbers...maybe that would make it easier for you to decide.  You also have the option of a second opinion...maybe you would want to try that.  

The decision is yours, and yours alone...and whatever you decide, you have to live with having no regrets.

One thing you might want to check tho....in reference to bhumika's response is that chemo is most effective done now vs later.