Should I Skip Chemo for My Small Breast Tumor?

So when I was doing my research when I first got diagnosed I came across some (general) information that circulating tumor cells are around 95 percent of the cause for cancer recurrence ( but I don't know what specifics that information was based on such as BC type of cancer type, stage, etc). Also a blood test called Signatura looks for circulating tumor cell DNA from your original tumor. But what treatment is more effective radiation or chemo?🤷 I guess that's what the Oncotype score will tell you. Maybe your oncologist could explain it or get another opinion.

The same is the case with me.i am 41 Same diagnosis and waiting for oncotype although doctor recommended chemo whatever oncotype score comes but I will definitely go for second opinion if chemo has less benefit then why should I do that if other alternative is available although its side effects are also there but lets hope for the best and believe in God stay positive that this will never come back again. Wish you all good health and a happy life.

It would make no sense to do chemo of the Oncotype score is low. That's one of the main reasons for doing this test. Mine was a 3. So chemotherapy would not be beneficial. That's just how I understand it and when I do research on it that's the feedback I get.

Agree with You Melani

This very thing actually happened to me. My oncotype came back 27. All else same as you (age, tumor size, etc) (except no node involvement). Chemo was recommended and I declined. The doctor will (or maybe already has) shown you all the statistics. Whatever happens, I wish you well.

My Oncotype was 16, so chemo would not be beneficial. I am HR/PR positive and HER2 negative, stage 1. I did 20 radiation treatments and started Anastrozole in February.

How do you qualify for the Signatura blood test?

Melanie — my score was 2. I tried 2 aromatase inhibitors (made me wiggy) before deciding to forego all AI treatment. 8 years later, and quite by accident I found I have METs in my bones and 3 cancerous lymph nodes. And this was after a double mastectomy, told to see the Dr yearly, where I was examined manually. NEVER EVER did we discuss how cancer could come back REGIONALLY, much less in the bones. Wish I had known that I could have got an MRI, found the lymph nodes, and then gone looking in the bones, but this is not standard practice post-mastectomy. If I hadn’t moved to another country, introduced myself to a new breast health DR (just in case) I never would have discovered one of my implants was leaking (leakage held in place by my body). Seeing as you are on this forum, is it to stay informed or because you, too, have had a recurrence?

Hello all! I was 57 when Dx. I’m 63 now. I had lumpectomy and my oncogene type was 56, so I had high risk for recurrence. No nodes involved and tumor was less than 1cm. I had 4 rounds of chemo (only because of score), radiation and now on an AI. I had another test when I hit 5 years to see if I should cont with AI, and results came back I would benefit. My oncologist and I agreed that I would stay on it until I’m 65…the achy side effects and weight gain are ones I really don’t like, but I want to stay cancer free. I am doing what I can to prevent recurrence. Be Well!

Jenny S. I'm in the middle of my treatment so this forum is good to stay informed. Right now I'm just doing my AI with follow up blood work and MRIs. My lumpectomy isn't until this fall (I'm in a study so my treatment is different). Just when I think I understand how this BC works I realize I don't. I'm surprised to hear youts came back with such a low Oncotype score. Of course I'm sure other factors are in play such as stage, type of BC and etc. I hope you are doing well and are in good hands with your new doctor(s).

Thanks, Melani. I think the biggest surprise was learning that there’s not a lot of effort put into following up post-mastectomy. I can only imagine the shock to discover one had full blown stage 4 cancer. In that sense I was lucky to find it before I had symptoms. I suppose I’m also tired, turning 70 this fall. At this since I was 42, with the difference that I could always operate or irradiate (remove, destroy). Now I’m in the middle of it til the end.

I should add that I am 8 months w Kisqali and Lettoxole — lymph nodes shrunk my more than half — now only 1/4” — and bone scan shows healing. No nausea, but tired and thinning hair.

Yay! I'm so glad to hear that you are getting better with treatment Jenny!

hi im new here, im done with my surgery IDC stage 2b, tumor is2.8 cm,no lympnode involment, oncologist suggested chemo and radiotherapy, still thinking about chemo , pls help thnk u

Hi Jinky, You can ask to get an oncotype test done and the results will let you know if chemotherapy would be beneficial. Always bring your questions to your appointments and make sure you understand the answers they give. Blessings to you on your journey!

yahh got my result of my oncotype and beyond boarder line, mine is 36. and reccomended for 4 rounds of chemo and radiation after. im not into chemo, still cant decide.tnx

Jinky Can I ask why they recommended radiotherapy? Did you have a mastectomy? I had chemotherapy and have not heard of radiotherapy.

lumpectomy done, radiotherapy treatment kill cancer cells with beam of high energy x-rays.

I was diagnosed with IDC, July 1921. My tumor was small and I had no lymph node involvement. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction. My oncotype type score was extremely low. I followed my doctors treatment regimen, two months ago. We found mets in my bones. Sometimes, even when we do everything recommended, Cancer still has a mind of its own.

I'm so sorry to hear that, Mary. Did you do chemo and radiation? What treatment will you do next? Prayers for you as you continue in your journey.

This is such a complex decision that deserves careful consideration with your medical team. While waiting for the oncotype score can feel frustrating, that result will provide valuable information to help guide treatment choices. Many patients in similar situations find it helpful to prepare questions about the specific risks and benefits based on their individual tumor characteristics to discuss with their oncologist. The community here has been through these difficult treatment decisions and may share their experiences about how they approached weighing different options with their doctors.