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Just Diagnosed with Cancer? Chat with Experts

a new phase is upon me

By Laura A. Learn-Hack Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Yesterday I recieved my Oncotype dx Taylor X study results. After waiting 14 days I didnt even know if i wanted the result anymore. I had sort of gotten comfortable put cancer behind me, safely away where I didnt have to face it everyday. But here it is again. So this is the deal. The trial goes like this. (this test determines reaccurance)

If you score 0 to 10 you get radiation with drug threrapy. If you score 11 to 25 you get chemo. Greater than 26 is chemo, radiation and the works.

My oncologist was sure I would score low. I was sure I would score low. But as nothing has been as I thought this was not either. My score was 22, the hairy edge of high. I was shocked. This meant that the study would decide my treatment as i had commited my self to them for the good of research. I asked my dr. what he would have chosen for me he said his choice would have been chemo. For me the study had chosen radiation with drug therapy, no chemo. For a few moments I felt panic, should i drop out of the study and  make my own choice?

I am so tired of doing this, doctor visits, needle sticks, medicine, fighting with insurance, being felt up by doctors, tests, people,guilt. BREAST CANCER, I hate breast cancer! So i am not dropping the study I will do my radiation and take my drug Anastraozole and pray to god for few side affects.

And for the rest of you out there with breast cancer find a trial study, do one, its so important. It might not change things for you but it can change things for your daughters and your grand daughters. :)

Laura

a letter to my hair
PJ Hamel, Health Guide
10/21/09 12:35pm

Laura, I'm sorry your score was higher rather than lower; certainly makes you more anxious, doesn't it? Kudos to you for sticking with the clinical trial; you're a courageous, giving woman. I've been on anastrozole (Arimidex) for 4 1/2 years - it hasn't been too bad, just some aches and pains. So don't worry too much about that. And it absolutely does work - the data is building all the time that it prevents recurrence.

 

You'll eventually get over this grind of doctors, needles, insurance, all that stuff, and settle into your new life. Time heals, it really does. In the meantime, thanks for staying in touch here - you're a valuable member of the community, and I appreciate your posts. Best of luck - PJH

10/21/09 1:03pm

thank you for your support and encouragment, this site has gotten me thru this in many ways.

Anonymous
Her Baby Girl
1/ 5/10 11:20pm

 As I said before you are the most important person in my life, you have givin me all of my strength and taught me how to survive in life. When I found out you had breast cancer I was never so scared before in my life, but I tried to stay strong for you. As the weeks went on I heard in your voice all of the fight and courage and strength slowly dissapear, and I got angry. I am sorry I got angry. I was also learning how to cope with the thoughts and fears and emotions listening to all the details of what you where going through and wondering what was really going to happen. I also felt guilt for not being there with you every step of the way, although I was greatful I was able to visit even though it was a short visit. I see where you are now and I realize you never gave up, you only needed time to figure out how to fight something you have never been faced with and for that I admire you, you are still my rock and the strongest person i have ever known I see that now more than ever. I love you.

       Love,

             Your baby girl

1/ 5/10 11:25pm

I dont know what to say, except I love you. I live for you and your brothers and sisters. Your my strength.Wink

PJ Hamel, Health Guide
1/ 6/10 5:01am

Thank you so much for sharing this lovely tribute to your mom. I'm glad you've reached a place of understanding about her cancer experience - we worry so much about our children, often more than we worry about ourselves, it hurts to see your child suffering. I know that these words will touch her heart deeply. Thanks again - PJH

3/12/10 4:08am
That is a great way to STICK IT to cancer! Way to be brave, Laura. Staying in a study faced with all the unknowns. Truly amazing.

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By Laura A. Learn-Hack— Last Modified: 10/21/10, First Published: 10/21/09