Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Types and Stages of Breast Cancer Questions about the different types and stages of breast cancer. |
1,325 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/22/2012 | Hi, I have a 1.3 cm IDC and a 1.6 1.6 DCIS ER, PR positive and Her2 Negative, stage 1 grade 3 Breast cancer that has been surgically removed with clean margins. My Oncatype score came back as a 25 on the IDC and a 62 on the DCIS. To do chemotherapy is up to me. I am unclear on the risk of reoccurrence. My choices would be chemo, radiation and hormonal therapy or just radiation and hormonal therapy. I am very concerned about the high DCIS oncatype score and the mid range IDC score. I am post menopausal and 52 years old. I was on bioidenticals and have stopped taking them when I was diagnosed. I am trying to make a decision on chemo, Braca test came back negative and I am very healthy. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 5/22/2012 | The oncotypeDX test provides a score # (in your case, 25) as well as a "risk of recurrence percentage" which is specific for you. so take a look at the report to find that value. that recurrence % is based on you definitely doing hormonal therapy. if you add chemo, it will tell you how many percentage points it will come down. The DCIS score is something quite new as you have probably been told. it does however also emphasize the importance of hormonal therapy and radation for you. so check out the percentage risk of recurrence to make a personal decision if you want to embark on chemo. some women will for a 1% benefit. there are women who want at least a 10% benefit. it is truly personal choice based on your risk aversion. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.