The Meeting Place for Survivors: Re: SJ/Zoe

I did chemo then surgery. My tumors were large so used the chemo to try and shrink them. Helped a little but not enough to avoid bilateral mastectomies. That was the only way to get clear margins.

Be sure to ask the onc about testing to see if you need to do chemo. The test is called "Oncotype DX" This test will so the possible percentage the chemo will prevent recurrence or eliminate any left over cancer cells. Just because you have cancer it doesn't mean you always have to do chemo. Some of the lucky ones get to do just surgery and then radiation. Look up this website: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/oncotype_dx

It can answer your questions about Oncotype DX and tell you why it is important,

In my opinion trust the med onc first and then the surgeon. A lot of surgeons will think you are domed if surgery can't fix it. But med oncs tend to be more optimistic. My surgeon told me I had 6 months to live. My med onc told me probably 20 years. That was 14 years ago. Guess who was right? For 5 years in a row I would go to the surgeon's office on the anniversary date of his prediction. I would knock on his door and when he opened it I would say " look real good for a dead person don't I?" He finally asked me to stop coming by his office. I think he was embarrassed.

I will pray for you to have the easiest course possible. Hang in there.

take GOoD care
Zoe