DCIS do I really need an AI?

Posted by marylynr @marylynr, Jan 29 6:40pm

Non-invasive DCIS grade 2 lumpectomy clear margins 3 mm in size. Decision RT says no- radiation side effects outweigh the benefits. Do I really need an AI? Does anybody know the recurrence rates if I do nothing further? I can’t seem to get a straight answer. I have osteopenia so I’m not too thrilled about going on an AI and then of course the other side effects like cardiac, bone pain hair loss neurological issues etc. Everyone keeps saying you don’t have cancer its just DCIS low chance of recurring so why the treatment overkill? The more I read the more confused I get. I’m 64 and thought I was in perfect health until I had the dexa and mammo. Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

whr | @whr | May 3 8:21am

In reply to @mimzy "I had a 7 mm, stage 1, negative nodes (IDC) removed via lumpectomy. I am just..." + (show)

I took it for 18 months until I could barely get out of bed. My cancer has returned and after a bone density test have osteoporosis. I won't take them again.

mimzy | @mimzy | May 3 8:38am

In reply to @whr "I took it for 18 months until I could barely get out of bed. My cancer..." + (show)

Thank you @whr for your comment. I am leaning toward not taking them. Wishing you the very best

1ek | @1ek | May 3 8:55am

In reply to @mimzy "I had a 7 mm, stage 1, negative nodes (IDC) removed via lumpectomy. I am just..." + (show)

I also had stage 1 IDC, Oncotype zero, osteoporosis and high cholesterol, so I wasn’t interested in AIs. I am on 5 mg of tamoxifen, which doesn’t affect bone loss or cholesterol.

It seems that if you’re post menopausal oncologists go straight to AIs, and don’t mention tamoxifen as an option - you may have to ask.

I started on 20 mg, developed severe leg cramps, so oncologist dropped dose to 5. I occasionally get some minor leg cramps and night sweats, not bad - more annoying than anything.

sue417 | @sue417 | May 3 9:13pm

In reply to @praggs "Hi - I'm so confused as well. And I agree - It sort of irritates me..." + (show)

Hi
Did you ask for an oncotype dx test? To show if it would be beneficial?

sue417 | @sue417 | May 3 9:15pm

In reply to @1ek "I also had stage 1 IDC, Oncotype zero, osteoporosis and high cholesterol, so I wasn’t interested..." + (show)

Hi
I tried tamoxifen it was brutal for me ay 5mg. I can't do it my side effects started day two I was only on at 6 days I couldn't function my head felt so weird the headache was insane my ears were ringing I was having severe leg cramps I got a rash so I'm going to pass

praggs | @praggs | May 4 11:07am

In reply to @sue417 "Hi Did you ask for an oncotype dx test? To show if it would be beneficial?" + (show)

You know, the oncotype dx test was not even mentioned at my one and only appointment with the medical oncologist. I've only heard about it on here. I had my last radiation appointment yesterday and started on anastrozole today as per the oncologist. ER positive but I don't know the HER - was not on my pathology report. Stage 2 Grade 0.
I'm thinking I have a lot more questions as time goes on.

sue417 | @sue417 | May 4 3:53pm

In reply to @praggs "You know, the oncotype dx test was not even mentioned at my one and only appointment..." + (show)

Hi
Good luck on the medications. Yes you need to find out exactly what it was and if you had any invasive cancer if you didn't then you won't be able to get the oncotype test that's what I was told. I am not taking any of the medications way too many serious side effects and I already have health issues

View More View Less

Please sign in or register to post a reply.