Anyone dealing with Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia (ADH)?

Margo, welcome. Choosing between a lumpectomy vs a mastectomy is a big decision. You may be interested in this related discussion:
- Preventative double mastectomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/preventative-double-mastectomy

If I may, I might suggest discussing the pros and cons of mastectomy vs lumpectomy with your surgeon. Ask questions about the possible benefits vs risks. Does a mastectomy mean that you will be "done with it"? While that may seem logical, is it true in your case? Your surgeon can answer those types of questions tailored to your preferences.

I had a lumpectomy 2 years ago for non cancerous DCIS in one breast. Now my mammogram shows suspicious calcification in the same breast in another spot. The breast surgeon did a biopsy and the result was Atypical ductal hyperplasia with associated micro-calcifications. She wants to do another lumpectomy to remove them. I am 70 years old, and wonder if it would be better to just have a mastectomy and be done with it. I am otherwise in good health. Any advice is appreciated.

@karenpow I have since switched all doctors. Just had first 6 month mammo and thankfully all is good. New doc did not think meds were the way to go at this time based on family/medical history and things I have implemented. Of course if anything changes we revise the plan. Since my ADH diagnosis I have lost almost 40 lbs, lowered my bmi, switched to a plant based diet, and exercise daily. I think there is still a lot they don't know about ADH. Previous oncologist prescribed meds for anyone with higher than normal risk, nothing was individualized. Seems like there could be a titre to do to monitor estrogen levels and determine dosage of AI, maybe every other day instead of daily or something like that. Every woman is different. Best of luck and sending positive thoughts your way for you and your family.

I have been researching a ton and MANY women are having those side effects from aromatase inhibitors... i dont know if it is necessary to take AIs with non cancer. i am in a lot of facebook breast cancer support groups and many women are finding success with non-rx medications like supplements and diet. exercise will help prevent breast cancer by 30%. your diet needs to be pristine, no meat, no soy, no dairy, low carb, no sugar, no pasta, bread, potatoes (they turn to sugar quickly)... THIS IS WHAT THE WOMEN are saying that got rid of their cancer by diet & supplements. my 2 sistsers and mom have breast cancer. i am on here to learn so i can try and help them........

Good Morning! I was diagnosed with a focal ADH in a radial scar back in February. I had taken anastrozole for 1 day and had strange side effects, I changed the time of day I took it and tried again, I lasted for 17 days when I developed flutters in my chest, so I stopped taking it again. When I first called to report to the oncologist, she said that is very unusual. When I went in for my appointment she decided to order a 48 hr heart monitor. Still waiting to go over the results, which have been in MyChart for 10 days now. I was told the PCP will go over the results with me even though the oncologist wanted it and was not copied on the results. I finally got a hold of the NP who will meet with me next week to review the results. My anxiety is very bad since coming off the AI which increases my heart rate, my hair is now very dry and coming out, and my mood is all over the place. It almost feels like menopause. Is it normal to have a hormone imbalance after taking the AI for such a short time? I have actually lost confidence in my care which adds to the anxiety. I have been on the phone for the past 3 days trying to find a new PCP and no one is taking new patients, due to a shortage of doctors. Sorry for this long vent, I am just so frustrated. I have made lifestyle changes- plant-based diet, lost 25+ lbs, exercise, etc. I will do everything I can to help myself. Has anyone else not taken meds for ADH?

Hi, please never apologize for how you feel. I was diagnosed with ADH 5 years ago and have been taking Tamoxifen for approximately 5 years. I am being referred to a breast cancer high risk doctor in 2 weeks, makes me also wonder if I will be able to come off the Tamoxifen or what is the next course of treatment. I finished a year of Keytruda for Melanoma, I really don’t want any other treatments.
I would love to hear from others that went through Tamoxifen and what happens when you come off it. Good luck and keep the faith!