Oncotype test

.

Cyprusfav, I am by no means an expert but I had an ONCOTYPE DX test too. I believe they can only carry this out of you tick all the relevant boxes I.e. oestrogen positive, HER neg, clear margins with no sign of cancer spread to lymph nodes? Somebody may correct me but I think you only qualify for this if you meet these specifics? My score was 31 (bang on high probability of return of cancer and benefit from chemo) so was no brainer for me to go with the chemo. I think they only have all the relevant information to determine if you qualify post op as they can have a good look into the genetics of the tumour once removed?

Warm hugs,

 Bekkyxx 

Thanks Bekky. How are you finding chemotherapy? 

I was similar grade 2 no lymph node involvement but I chose to have a mastectomy so did not have radiotherapy. Aged 49 and my score came back 8 so I did not need chemo. I know the waiting is terrible but eventually this roller coaster will stop and you will be through it. Take care x

Hi Cyprusfav, I had my first round of radiotherapy today after having my last chemo session last Thursday. It feels a quick turnaround as still feeling the effects of my chemo! Probably best to keep momentum up though. I found the Paclitaxel part ok but I think the accumulative effect has left me with a bit of bone pain at the moment and extreme tiredness. Perhaps, it’s because I have let myself relax a bit more after finishing chemo? I’m not sure but over the weekend, I could barely lift my head. I am very worried about having my hormone treatment on Friday. Not looking forward to that one. I phoned the docs to get a numbing cream added to my prescription as didn’t see the point of being in pain for longer than needed. 
How are you finding things Cyrpusfav. Hopefully your ONCO score will return with a clear path for you. I would have found it harder if mine hadn’t been so clearly defined though I had it in my head that I wanted chemo despite how hard I have found it as I only had the tumour removed and not a mastectomy like brave Roses123 so would have always thought “what if?” if you know what I mean. 
Good luck for your treatment whatever the path you choose. 

Warm hugs, Bekky xx

Hi Bekky 

just wondering if you have had your blood checked for vitamin D levels?

I had 3 sessions of EC, then 4 sessions of docetaxel, pertuzamab and trastuzumab in 3 weekly cycles. My last chemo was 6 weeks ago and I thought I would be feeling better by now but if anything I have been feeling more tired and also really suffering with joint pain and my muscles feeling like lead weights, all over but especially my legs.

On Wednesday when I was in getting my 3 weekly pertuzamab & trastuzamab I mentioned it to the nurse and she checked and said it can be a side effect of this but she also did a blood test for vitamin D deficiency.

Turns out I have got very, very low levels. Even below insufficient! So I am now waiting for a prescription from my doctor.

Anyway try Googling the signs of vitamin D deficiency! I was so surprised as I seem to have most of the symptoms but have been putting it all down to the chemo effect!

worth a check?

Thank you very much for the suggestion BaileyLady. I had never thought of that. I have been taking the mouth spray vitamin D as had read that is especially important to up vitamin D when undergoing chemo for us in the UK. Especially us in Scotland!! My consultant had given me the go ahead to take it as I know you have to make sure it is ok before taking anything. Perhaps the spray is not strong enough. I may look into getting a supplement. Thank you for your help. Am absolutely exhausted but put it down to having had chemo since last October. 
I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your treatment. 

Warm hugs,

Bekky

xx

Thanks x