Onco type results

Hi Clairebear3fda62

I was told on 26 August that I didn't need another surgery, but that they were going to send samples for oncotype testing. The surgeon said that it would take 2-3 weeks to get the results but I wasn't really sure how I would be given them. After about 3 weeks, I ended up phoning the breast nurse team who gave me my score over the phone. The nurse also said she would add me to the list for the oncologists and I had that appointment on 22 September. 

It might be worth your mum phoning the nurses and asking if they can talk her through what happens next? 

I have also had breast appointments in the renal outpatients unit in the hospital. I think it depends how many clinics are being run and where they have space, but I'm sure the nurses would be happy to clarify!

Thank-you.

so I’m guessing it’s normal to be given these results in renal outpatients and it has nothing to do with the treatment she will receive? 

I spoke to the surgeon in the renal outpatients unit, so slightly different. But I assumed it was because they didn't have a spare consultation room in oncology outpatients on that day. 

In the hospital I go to, they send you to get bloods taken in a portacabin in a car park so if your mum needs bloods taken I'm sure they will tell her what to do. 

I hope the appointment goes well!

I think it probably just means the oncologist is using a room in the renal department. I had my first appointment with the radiotherapy consultant in the renal department of my hospital, he said it’s hard to get a room in oncology so he usually runs his clinic there. 

Hi Clairebear3fda62 

The oncotype DX tests are sent to USA for analysis, hence the time delay for results, so yes it's normal.  

Hopefully the oncotype DX test shows that she doesn't need chemo. - that would be a huge win!

I had ER+ / HER2- cancer - same as your Mum - and when I was diagnosed, oncotype tests were in their infancy, so I didn't have one. (8 years ago) - I just needed the lumpectomy and radiotherapy and in comparison to those ladies having chemo. it was so much better.  I was fine with radiotherapy and I put that down to drinking more fluids than you think is imaginable.  Other ladies who didn't drink very much suffered badly from fatigue, so this is one tip that I will say you must tell your Mum to do.  I did get a bit of radio burning, but not much and have had no side effects since, despite it being on my heart side and being unable to do the breathe technique.    It's always more worrying about what is GOING to happen / how you are going to be, than when you are actually dealing with the operation/radiotherapy.

And, as others have said - it just often happens that departments borrow each others departments in hospitals.

Fingers crossed her test comes back with the best possible news.

Kindest wishes to you both,
Lesley

Thank-you to everyone who replied- it helped a lot!

you are all amazing ladies