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Should an oncologist know about the Oncotype DX test?

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Posted 7/23/2005 12:29 PM (GMT 0)

Hi all:

Well, my oncotype test came back and i scored a 40, which means high risk.  So starting wednesday, I'll get chemo.  First I"ll get a picc line inserted, then the treatment. I didn't know about that picc line thing.  It stays in the whole cycle of having chemo, that's a drag!  He also told me no swimming or laying out in the sun.  It's going to be hard to stay in the shade and watching the kids swim.........oh well., I guess it has to be done.  Today I'm going wig shopping, my 11 old daughter is going to help me, she thinks it's going to be fun to wear a wig!  (maybe i'll buy one for her too, and we can have matching hair) Talk to you later

Susan

Posted 7/23/2005 1:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Susan,

I'm sorry to hear that your score wasn't so low and you'll need to do chemo. You sound really upbeat, and that is a good thing. I'm glad you're daughter is there to share this with you, as hard as it is! You'll be in my thoughts are prayers. I hope you'll keep posting here and will let us help you through this! The ladies here are really wonderful and are so full of great information!

You also probably have already heard about this, but one of the best books is by Dr. Susan Love and it's referred to as the Breast Book. It is pretty thick and it covers everything you can imagine about BC.

Take care! L&H,
Laure'
Posted 7/23/2005 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Marianne,
I know what you mean about the test being true. I guess it is the chance we take, but I was so fearful of having chemo, especially if it wasn't going to do any good. I am post-menapausal, so I am taking Arimidex, an aromitase inhibitor. It is supposed to have fewer and less extreme side effects than Tomoxifen. My radiation oncologist had me wait for one month after the finish of radiation to start the pills. They make me ache in the joints, especially if I have been sitting for a while. The Dr. says to give it a few months and my body should adjust. I have never had a hot flash in my life, and still didn't after throwing away my hormone pills, and not now with the Arimidex, so I can be greatful for that. I know what you mean about taking the pills...I am tempted to not take them and take my chances, but then I read about the dear women who have lost their fight, and I think, "Do I really want to take that chance". So, swallow them I do...and the countdown to five years begins!

Maybe we can keep track of each other and give one another encouragement, since we are on a similar timeline. Mia is also on our timeline, so the three of us should try to keep in touch.

Take care, Jean in WA
Posted 7/23/2005 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Marianne,
I know what you mean about the test being true. I guess it is the chance we take, but I was so fearful of having chemo, especially if it wasn't going to do any good. I am post-menapausal, so I am taking Arimidex, an aromitase inhibitor. It is supposed to have fewer and less extreme side effects than Tomoxifen. My radiation oncologist had me wait for one month after the finish of radiation to start the pills. They make me ache in the joints, especially if I have been sitting for a while. The Dr. says to give it a few months and my body should adjust. I have never had a hot flash in my life, and still didn't after throwing away my hormone pills, and not now with the Arimidex, so I can be greatful for that. I know what you mean about taking the pills...I am tempted to not take them and take my chances, but then I read about the dear women who have lost their fight, and I think, "Do I really want to take that chance". So, swallow them I do...and the countdown to five years begins!

Maybe we can keep track of each other and give one another encouragement, since we are on a similar timeline. Mia is also on our timeline, so the three of us should try to keep in touch.

Take care, Jean in WA
Posted 8/11/2005 6:40 AM (GMT 0)
Jean,

Sorry for the delay in my reply.  I took a vacation to celebrate the end of treatment.

I hope the side effects of the Arimidex subside shortly for you.  If it makes you feel any better, me and the tamoxifen aren't getting along either.  The hot flashes are horrible!  I envy you for never having any.  I'm hoping the oncologist will have a remedy when I go to see him at the end of the month.

And we should definitely keep each track of each other seeing our cases and mindset are so similar.  I'm even going to start toasting to you every night when I take my Tamoxifen.  Who knows, maybe you'll be taking your Arimidex at the same time. 

Cheers,

Marianne

 

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