chemo - yes or No

[bagclip]

I had a lumpectomy 9/17. Radiation (mammosite) 9/25-10/3.  Had oncotype DX recurrence test. Came back at intermediate risk. Fell right in the middle.  My tumor was invasive duct carcinoma. 1 cm , 3 lymph nodes negative. clear margins.  59, postmenapausal.  , estrogen/progesterone positive receptor.  My oncologist says hormone therapy and chemo if I want.  The decision is mine.  Help!

[drkvramaiah]

A related discussion, invasive ductal carcinoma breast grade1 was started.

[Irishgal2]

It is a hard decision to make.  You are a few factors on your side.  Firstly the lump was small, only 1 cm.  You are also ER and PR positive which means hormone therapy will work for you and finally you are post menopausal.  All these factors are in your favour.  Ask the oncologist what increased percentage of non reoccurrence does chemo give you.  Then make your decision.  Good Luck

[txgrl01]

My situation was quite similar except that I had a mastectomy because I didn't want radiation and I am perimenepausal. Age 50, IDC, 1/1cm, 0/3 nodes, clear margins, er/pr+, Heu -, intermediate risk on Oncotype DX.  I am now taking tamoxifen.
I hated being intermediate because there is no real assistance on knowing the effectiveness of having chemo vs not having chemo.  It all comes down to what risk level YOU are comfortable with.  After lengthy discussions with husband and oncologist, I chose to not have chemo.  
It's a difficult decision to make.  God Bless