My DCIS was very small and the lumpectomy showed good margins. My surgeon was open to me looking into radiation, but she felt that it may be overkill. I learned that any body part can only be treated with radiation once. If the cancer comes back after radiation, the only option would be mastectomy.
I decided that I would keep the radiation card in my pocket in case I need it in the future.
I also had dcis insitu and just completed lumpectomy. Meet with oncologist next week but for same reason as you, will not be doing radiation and probably not hormone treatment either. Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel I am not alone in this decision.
Same - diagnosed in March, lumpectomy in July, radiation ended a month ago. I found in talking to others there are so many different experiences even if on the surface it looks like the same path. I did not rush any decisions.
Hi. I was very afraid to try tamoxifen also, after reading about all of the possible side effects. My oncologist encouraged me to try it- most patients tolerate it very well. I’m happy that I have zero side effects.
As for how tamoxifen works- it does not “stop estrogen” production. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen from attaching to cancer cells. Estrogen is fully present in the body, but the drugs stop it from connecting with and fueling the tumor.
It’s an old drug that has been proven to be effective. I would encourage you to try it, if your doctor is recommending it.
Good luck. I know this is scary.
Hi
I have osteopenia with a compression fracture in my spine so I do not want to take anything that will effect my bone density. Does it affect your vaginal area? My urologist wants to put me on vagifem . I am very overwhelmed
Hi
I have osteopenia with a compression fracture in my spine so I do not want to take anything that will effect my bone density. Does it affect your vaginal area? My urologist wants to put me on vagifem . I am very overwhelmed
I have mild osteopenia as well. That was why the oncologist opted for tamoxifen over the aromatase inhibitors. Tamoxifen is not harmful to bones. I have not experienced any vaginal problems while on this medication.
Yes, about a 2 cm patch of DCIS grade 2/3 which had turned into multifocal IDC with lobular features.
Had lumpectomy 8 weeks ago, no cancer in lymph nodes.
Will be doing 20 radiotherapy treatments (16 regular, 4 boosts) and then five years of Letrozole.
My risk of recurrence with treatment is only about 3-4 percent over ten years so my oncological surgeon said just go live a normal life and don’t worry.
Hi
I was recently diagnosed with dcis insitu my surgery is Dec 15. I totally feel the stress and anxiety too. It's hard to wrap your head around it. I hope all goes well for you
I could not accept loosing my breast.
Read everything you can.
Make sure your DCIS is invasive.
If it is only confined to your ducts you have time to look into other options.
My oncologist told me about a pill I could take to shrink my clusters. If it works I would be looking at a lumpectomy and not a full mastectomy.
During my pre op test we found out my heart is not strong enough for surgery.
My DCIS is not invasive at this time.
I was scheduled to have one breast removed.
Before we had this new information.
My oncologist is a surgical oncologist. I will be talking to a medical oncologist.
Hi
I was recently diagnosed with dcis insitu my surgery is Dec 15. I totally feel the stress and anxiety too. It's hard to wrap your head around it. I hope all goes well for you
I could not accept loosing my breast.
Read everything you can.
Make sure your DCIS is invasive.
If it is only confined to your ducts you have time to look into other options.
My oncologist told me about a pill I could take to shrink my clusters. If it works I would be looking at a lumpectomy and not a full mastectomy.
During my pre op test we found out my heart is not strong enough for surgery.
My DCIS is not invasive at this time.
I was scheduled to have one breast removed.
Before we had this new information.
My oncologist is a surgical oncologist. I will be talking to a medical oncologist.
Hi
I am having a lumpectomy from my biopsies it's insitu in the milk ducts and very sml.
Once pathology is back it will determine how we go forward radiation I was told will be 3 wks. I have a good oncology coordinator I talk to. Done alot if research on tamoxifen, so if I have to go on it only going to do 5mg
I was just diagnosed with DCIS in right breast intermediate stage. My consultation with surgeon is a month away and my MRI next week. I’m feeling alone and wish I could talk to someone about what the MRI might show. Am I waiting too long before surgeon consult? My primary doctor didn’t call me back today. Feeling horrible.
@chm64
Hello,
You said this was your 2 year mammo check…does that mean you had some type of Breast Cancer 2 years ago and now you also have DCIS, 2 years later after being checked?
Sorry, I am confused so I just wanted to clarify.
Xoxo
@chm64
Hello,
You said this was your 2 year mammo check…does that mean you had some type of Breast Cancer 2 years ago and now you also have DCIS, 2 years later after being checked?
Sorry, I am confused so I just wanted to clarify.
Xoxo
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I also had dcis insitu and just completed lumpectomy. Meet with oncologist next week but for same reason as you, will not be doing radiation and probably not hormone treatment either. Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel I am not alone in this decision.
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Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsSame - diagnosed in March, lumpectomy in July, radiation ended a month ago. I found in talking to others there are so many different experiences even if on the surface it looks like the same path. I did not rush any decisions.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsHi
I have osteopenia with a compression fracture in my spine so I do not want to take anything that will effect my bone density. Does it affect your vaginal area? My urologist wants to put me on vagifem . I am very overwhelmed
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI have mild osteopenia as well. That was why the oncologist opted for tamoxifen over the aromatase inhibitors. Tamoxifen is not harmful to bones. I have not experienced any vaginal problems while on this medication.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYes, about a 2 cm patch of DCIS grade 2/3 which had turned into multifocal IDC with lobular features.
Had lumpectomy 8 weeks ago, no cancer in lymph nodes.
Will be doing 20 radiotherapy treatments (16 regular, 4 boosts) and then five years of Letrozole.
My risk of recurrence with treatment is only about 3-4 percent over ten years so my oncological surgeon said just go live a normal life and don’t worry.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI could not accept loosing my breast.
Read everything you can.
Make sure your DCIS is invasive.
If it is only confined to your ducts you have time to look into other options.
My oncologist told me about a pill I could take to shrink my clusters. If it works I would be looking at a lumpectomy and not a full mastectomy.
During my pre op test we found out my heart is not strong enough for surgery.
My DCIS is not invasive at this time.
I was scheduled to have one breast removed.
Before we had this new information.
My oncologist is a surgical oncologist. I will be talking to a medical oncologist.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsWishing you the BEST on Dec. 15! Have a complete & smooth recovery!!
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Hug
2 ReactionsHi
I am having a lumpectomy from my biopsies it's insitu in the milk ducts and very sml.
Once pathology is back it will determine how we go forward radiation I was told will be 3 wks. I have a good oncology coordinator I talk to. Done alot if research on tamoxifen, so if I have to go on it only going to do 5mg
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@chm64
Hello,
You said this was your 2 year mammo check…does that mean you had some type of Breast Cancer 2 years ago and now you also have DCIS, 2 years later after being checked?
Sorry, I am confused so I just wanted to clarify.
Xoxo
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNo, not me. I was just diagnosed with DCIS first time. Waiting for MRI and appt with surgeon.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions