Should I Get Chemotherapy After My Breast Cancer Lumpectomy?

Are you her2+ or triple negative?

I have the same situation. Stage 1 IDC no lymph node involvement. Oncotype 29 which is just above and ER+. They are recommending 3 months of chemotherapy. I am not sure either. I am also post menopausal and Leiden factor 5!positive for blood clots. Also have hypertension

@ Sandra J. So do would they do something prophylactically (sp?) during chemo then due to your Leiden factor 5?

Thanks I am doing pretty much the same regiment. 12 weeks chemo with herceptin for her 2 targeting then radiation. Thanks for responding

My friend score was 26 doctor recommended no chemo just radiation.

Where do I look in my records to find my oncotype score? I see a lot of talk of this score and have now idea what mine is :(. I recently joined as I have had an awful time with endocrine therapy and tolerating these pills. I wish I would have found some of these groups sonner!

I didn’t have an oncotype score either but I thought it was because I was HER2+. Oncotype scores are for predicting if you should have chemo if you are hormone + HER2-, I believe. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

I believe my oncologist said due to HER2+ status I had to do chemo and no longer needed oncotype score. I don’t know how much chemo yet which has me nervous

I’m pretty sure Her2 puts you into chemo. Don’t worry. I have a handful of friends that have done it. It’s really hard for a while but they are all doing great and you will too!

I called the company to get a copy of my scores.. no problems

Going through the same thing. Waiting for oncotype to determine chemo.

Same, stage 1 no nodes involved, mapped for 20 radiation treatments. Onco score 19 . Post menopause. Total hysterectomy (cancer) not doing any medication. Not risking my quality of life. Thats just my choice!

I have HER+ but it was so small. Only found during a biopsy of tissue after a lumpectomy because of Pagets. I did not agree to chemotherapy. and now will start a 15 week course of radiation. They want to radiate my lymph nodes, because I did not have any of those removed. I am still questioning any radiation on my lymph nodes. Although I argued that point with my radiologist. So I would definitely make these decisions based on a lot of research not just what they say as they all say chemo and radiation. It seems to me that they are a bit aggressive in their treatments. 

My onctype was 26 also and it was recommended by 2 oncologists I have chemotherapy. I researched this as well and found their recommendations sound. I am on TC and have completed 1 of 4 treatments (1 every 3 weeks).

Mine was 24. Before I made my decision, I went to a cancer hospital and got a second opinion. He went over in detail the benefits of chemo and the damage chemo can do to your body. I had been told I had the right to choose. He also told me there was 5% benifit for 5 years and 1% after 10. Radiation and aromatase inhibitors were also very effective. The one thing he did tell me is that even if you do chemo, there is still a chance that inactive cancer cells will still escape and then reactivate after 7, 10, or 20 years. Now that I said that, you need to do what is best for you and your piece of mind..

Doesn't everyone have inactive cancer cells that have the potential to activate?

Stage 1 her- positive both hormones. Lobectomy no node involved. 16 Radiation full breast for intense radiation to the tumor site. I decided not to go on any other medication’s. I will be monitored and see what happens my choice my body. God bless you all all.

So I am just going on this site to ask if anyone else is having problems with communication. I respond with a "heart" and the site does allow it.

ER+, HER2-

My Oncotype score is 29. er/pr + HER2 - Recomendation to start chemo, which I’m going to do. Hoping it’s the right decision

The treatment plan can change after they remove the cancer and test it. My oncologist ordered an Agenda mamo print and I have a higher likelihood of recurrence so I did Chemo and Radiation therapy as he recommended. Cancer treatment is her choice and you must weigh the benefit according to Heath, Age and Risk of side effects versus recurrence risk. Her doctors will be able to help with that.

Making treatment decisions after a lumpectomy can feel overwhelming, especially when test results fall in that borderline range. This is exactly the kind of complex decision where having detailed conversations with your oncology team becomes so valuable - they can help weigh all the factors specific to your situation and walk through the potential benefits and risks with you. Many others in this community have faced similar crossroads and found it helpful to ask lots of questions, seek second opinions when needed, and take the time to feel confident in whatever path feels right.