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LCIS - Lobular Carcinoma In Situ Questions about lobular carcinoma in situ. |
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| 4/13/2012 | I am 64 years old and was on HT for 14 years. I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. Had a lumpectomy March 6, 2cm, stage 2, grade 1, er+/pr+ Hr2-. Margins were clear and node was clean. My oncotype DX test came back with a score of 18. My surgeon said "yea, no chemo, just radiation and arimidex for 5 years. I was happy! My oncologist said I had an 89% change my cancer would not return. If I did chemo my chances would rise to 91%. With that 2% percentage I would like to opt "no chemo" and want to make sure I am making the best decision for my situation. My oncologist say's the decision is totally up to me since since I am in a "safe zone." I was hoping she would have made that decision for me - would be so much easier to live with. If the chemo was going to put me in a higher percentage bracket I could see doing it. I'm confused and scared. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 4/13/2012 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center with your question, and you certainly raise a good question. The oncotype score in the intermediate range does create decision making dilemma of should "I or shouldn't I"? Chemotherapy itself is not with out risks and side effects, and a 2% benefit is not significant benefit. And an indeterminate score is not really a 'safe zone', its just a score that does not overwhelming indicate benefit of chemo based on risk of recurrence. Hope this helps and best wishes. | ||
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