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What helped you make treatment decisions following DCIS lumpectomy?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 18, 2024 | Replies (119)Comment receiving replies
I am glad you are doing well, you have certainly been through it. Living with breast cancer that starts as a young woman is a challenging marathon. I am so grateful for the almost 18 years I have gained. But there have definitely been challenges. Since you are triple negative, you are not on any hormone blockers, is that correct? What is the plan moving forward for your reconstruction?
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Back in 2001, I was pre-menopausal and my breast cancer was estrogen- and progesterone-positive, so I went on Tamoxifen. At that time, five years was the suggested amount of time to be on it (much later studies suggest 7–10 years for hormone inhibitors). Because of side effects (blood clot in calf and uterine changes/early cancer) and having a hysterectomy (which meant I was now menopausal), I quit taking Tamoxifen and went on Aromasin. All in all, I was on these two drugs for 8.5 years. I quit taking Aromasin 12 years ago and am not on any prescription medication.
New implants were placed in April of this year. Because my left breast was irradiated back in 2001, reconstruction has been problematic on that side. The new left implant has dropped more than the right one. I don't like how I look undressed, but I am very discouraged by continued disappointing results and having to shell out $5,000–10,000 for these surgeries (my cost after insurance).