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Suggest Treatment For Stage 2B Breast Cancer
I am diagnosed with stage II b breast cancer. This was after the lumpectomy of a tumor size 0.9 cm, the nodes are negative. The Oncotype Dx test score is 71 and HER2 positive. What should be my post lumpectomy treatment. I am 39 years old. My doctor suggest chemo but i am not very sure about this considering the more permanent side effect.
Wed, 20 Aug 2014
If the tumor size is 0.9cm and node negative the stage is "I". Chemotherapy is selectively offered for this stage.
With the availability of oncotype Dx a more personolised treatment desicion can be made by the doctor.
Since your score is 71 , you are at high risk for recurrence, so you would benefit the most from chemotherapy compared to a woman with a score of less than 18(low risk).
And for HER2 postitvity a monoclonal antibody drug can be used.
Please do not skip chemo as the benefit outweighs the side effects and side effects are not permanent. They may take months to years to wear off for example tingling/ burning sensation in the finger tips .
With the availability of oncotype Dx a more personolised treatment desicion can be made by the doctor.
Since your score is 71 , you are at high risk for recurrence, so you would benefit the most from chemotherapy compared to a woman with a score of less than 18(low risk).
And for HER2 postitvity a monoclonal antibody drug can be used.
Please do not skip chemo as the benefit outweighs the side effects and side effects are not permanent. They may take months to years to wear off for example tingling/ burning sensation in the finger tips .
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