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Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 20 10:00am | Replies (345)

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@rene1636

I had the same issue with my care team. I no longer felt comfortable with the conflicting misinformation so I’m going to a different cancer center for my DCIS. Have you had an Oncotype DX DCIS genomics test done? This test will give you the percentage of reoccurrence odds with or without radiation. I used this to help decide to get radiation or not. Radiation is the standard treatment after lumpectomy. My test came back with a 3% difference. I’ve made the decision to roll the dice & to not get radiation. My pathology report after the lumpectomy was completely clean. It was all removed with the biopsy. My reasons…Radiation continues in your body the rest of your life unlike the meds. It can cause medical issues (heart & lung) during treatment & later in life. If you get a reoccurrence in the same breast then radiation won’t be an option & mastectomy is the only choice. Rarely can you get radiation in the same breast twice. Since I had BC once the odds are higher for me now on getting it again. I’m saving the radiation option/choice in case of a reoccurrence where another lumpectomy could be done. I am considering the hormone meds since mine was also ER/PR +. I’m seeing the new Oncologist on the 16th to see what’s suggested. Before taking meds I’m seeing a cardiologist beforehand to be sure my heart is healthy enough to take the meds which some can effect heart health. Some plaque showed up on some of my scans. I don’t want to cause another problem that would effect my quality of life. It’s a personal choice that everyone needs to make for themselves. I’ve done a lot of “uneducated” research, lol & I'm comfortable with my decisions so far. Trying to find a balance is frustrating but confidence in your care team is crucial! Best wishes on your journey!

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Replies to "I had the same issue with my care team. I no longer felt comfortable with the..."

rene1636 - The first oncologist said he’d have genetic testing done and then walked out the door. I haven’t heard anything since. Hopefully, my second opinion oncologist will be more helpful. (I’m calling Monday for an appointment.)
As far as radiation goes, I don’t think it’s a great idea. I still have both my breasts and if there’s a recurrence I wouldn’t have radiation as an option. But I am going to ask about a shortened treatment or “clean up” and find out if that can be repeated if need be. It will be a few weeks, but I’ll let you know what I find out.
Thank you so much for your response.