Should I have chemo after radiation?

[cita08]

I was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer 3 months ago. Invasive ductal, 1.2 cm, 1/5 lymph node + (stain), grade 2, er/pr +, Her2-. Oncotype test was 14-low risk. I had lumpectomy followed by 3 days of brachytherapy and 28 external radiation trtmnts.Rad oncologist sd i wld not benefit from chemo based on oncotype test but now the chemo oncolgst is recommending 4 chemo treatmnts (docetaxel/cyclophosphamide) in case microscopic cells entered my bloodstream thru the stained node and since I'm 46 to "be on the safe side", would follow with 5 yrs tomaxifen.Went for 2nd opinion,  was tld no benefit from chemo due to low risk onco test and chemo less effective now then right after surgery. also sd famera not tomaxifen since I had complete hysterectomy 2 yrs ago. One Dr sd studies show no difernce if chemo is done immediately or after rad, 2nd dr sd studies show chemo less effective if done 3 mos later. I am so stressed out and confused about what decision to make! Shld I get 3rd opinion, PLEASE HELP!      

[Marylou_II]

I have had two primary cancers in 12 months. My first cancer was a cervical tumor now it is gone after chemo + radio + brachytherapies and I am now on the usual follow up. My BC was ER+92, PR- and HER2-, 3 lymph nodes dissected all clean. I did not get an oncotype test. I had a mastectomy and right now I am on 8 rounds of chemo. Once done I have to say if I will take FEMARA or not, I want to decide that on my own. Because of my first cancer I can not ever use Tamoxifen because of the side effects. I trust chemo a lot, I know it is rough on our bodies but the guarantees are huge.
It is my very personal opinion that you visit a breast specialist for a third opinion it would be a smart move. Chemo would be a huge help just in case there is a future recurrence or metastasis, we never know this horrible illness has a mind of its own, I hate it. A breast specialist will know what is best for your cancer.  
If I was in your shoes I would get a third opinion but from a breast specialist only. Regarding the HT if Tamoxifen or Femara, Google "Tamoxifen side effects" and "Femara side effects" read and then have an opinion of your own, just make sure you get your info from a reliable site, after you know enough go to the breast specialist.

Good luck and remember that knowledge is power!

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Marylou_ll, We cannot give specific treatment recommendations on this forum but can only give general information. Stage I disease implies that no lymph nodes were involved, so it is unclear what you mean when you say one of five lymph node stained positive. The Oncotype test has primarily been used to evaluate prognosis and make treatment recommendations for lymph node-negative tumors, although data are emerging to suggest that it may be useful for some individuals with lymph node-positive disease. The Oncotype result may be one of many factors that are used to make individual treatment recommendations. You may wish to discuss further with your two oncologists the rationale for their recommendations and, ultimately, you need to chose whose recommendations you are more comforable with (which may include yet another opinion if neither doctor has convinced you of their reasoning).