[Jean]

Dear Dianne,

Welcome to our site and I am sorry that you are in need to join us.
But here you are - and you have the best place to gain support
and knowledge.

First of all let me explain about the TOPO 11 test...I had the test done.
If you are going to have TCH...(which by the way is what I had)
you will not need to bother with the TOPO 11...this test is important if you
are going to have A/C...it has shown that patients that are TOPO 11 positive
the A/C treatment will work well...if negative not so good....If you are not
going to have the A/C it does not matter about the TOPO 11. This test is
done by a sample of your tumor sent out to a lab. The lab I used was out
in Calif. with Dr. Slamon. It was covered by my insurance and was not
expensive about $250.00.

Next: You will be wasting your time and money on the Oncotype DX test
since that would be for a patient who is boarder line on chemo treatment,
for instance a small tumor under 1cm and less...
and your tumor is 2cm which means a ticket to chemo. So save your money on this test which is $3,000.00 and your insurance may not cover it.

A little confused about your kidney tumor. You mention that it has been there as a slow growing tumor since 04...does the dr. think this is not
cancer? I am wondering if the tumor on the kidney is not a threat would
the dr. consider treatment for the bc a priority? Since you had a lumpectomy
I am also assuming you will be having radiation treatment? Have to figure in
time line for that treatment also.

It is impossible to advise on the schedule of events...but if the tumor on the kidney is not a health threat - I would want the bc treatment started.
TCH is the preferred treatment these days. It eliminates most of the risk
of heart damage and is very doable. I did loose my hair on the TCH
and most of the gals on the site that did TCH lost their hair. But I don't think
that is important either way...we all look beautiful with or without our hair.

Everyone on the site is extremely helpful and you will gain much knowledge
as you begin to make decsions. I think the hardest part is getting the answers to all the questions, so many decisions. Just make careful decisions
but I think you will discover here that the TCH is the better choice.

If I can be of any help - just reach out....
Wishing you all the best and please let us know more about the kidney tumor.
Regards,
Jean