My “team” was also a joke. I even had a nurse navigator who I was told would be coordinating everything….another joke. I didn’t get very much info from my team, other than the standard information. I did a LOT of research checking the bigger cancer sites. After seeing the same information on risks over & over it was a pass for me. One of the Mayo moderators said it best, “with cancer, you’re the player, the referee & the coach in the game” on figuring it all out. I decided to not get radiation or take AI’s too!. I had a small area of DCIS, ER/PR+. Had a stereotactic biopsy which ended up removing it. I did follow through with a lumpectomy, for which the pathology report said there was no cancer present in the specimen. Radiation & AI’s were still recommended. I questioned the need for radiation since the biopsy removed it all & I was told it was as a precaution & was the “standard care” for DCIS. Oncotype DX test says I have a 9% chance of a reoccurrence. I have osteoporosis too so after also doing my own research made the decision for no AI’s. Also researched radiation & found it’s the “gift” that keeps on giving…..for the rest of your life & also if you have radiation once you can’t get it again if it reoccurs in the same breast. The only option then is a mastectomy. Both my oncologist & radiology oncologist said survival rates were the same if I did or did not take the meds & radiation. My thought is why go through all this then taking chances of creating other health problems? I didn’t feel it was worth it for a 3% decreased risk & a chance of another lumpectomy if I did have a reoccurrence. Another thought was I’ll be monitored every 6 months by getting a mammogram alternated with an MRI since I also have dense breasts. If there is a reoccurrence, it should be caught early enough to treat. Cancer is a personal journey so my decisions may not be best for others BUT I’m at peace with my decision to roll the dice.

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