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Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment?
I was diagnosed with DCIS. I have to go in for a breast MRI with contrast tomorrow to see how active the cancer is. If it’s contained and not very active, do I have to have a lumpectomy?
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My Lane I had surgery July 22 invasive ductal carcinoma stage one and grade one oncotype test DS ER positive. Test came back four, no chemo and I said no radiation due to other problems that I have. My Dr. Would like for me to take a pill for five years . I will go back again Friday to talk to him again, i still do not want to take the pill. I lie awake at night worrying about my decision. I’m 72 years old just want to enjoy what life I have left.
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3 Reactions@finallyretired, it's really important to remember that not everyone experiences side effects. The people who experience side effect are more likely to take part in a discussion about aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen because they would like support and tips for dealing with the side effects. That is understandable. But it can also leave the impression that everyone gets side effects.
You can read more about aromatase inhibitors here to help you with your decision making: https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/facing-breast-cancer/going-through-breast-cancer-treatment/hormone-therapy/aromatase-inhibitors-anastrozole-exemestane-letrozole
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"Like all drugs, aromatase inhibitors can cause side effects. Everyone reacts differently to drugs and it’s not possible to predict how any of the drugs will affect an individual.
The side effects of all three drugs are similar. However, some people may get on better with one drug than another.
If you’re finding it hard to cope with side effects from one aromatase inhibitor, your specialist may recommend changing to a different aromatase inhibitor or another hormone therapy drug."
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2 ReactionsLike I explained in my reply to message. A lot of women especially post menopausal women have no side effects from these drugs. I had some but it really was just related to the loss of estrogen. Hot flashes, dry skin, morning stiffness. If your doctor dismisses your concerns that quickly, might I suggest a second opinion. It is hard to make irreversible decisions, but this one is very reversible, you can try it and then change or stop if it is horrible. Do you have a doctor you can trust to help you make this decision?
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1 Reaction@auntieoakley I just read you last comment and it sounds like you and I are in the same sail boat. You are going through exactly what I'm going through. Let's stay in touch as I am interested in what you decide on this journey that we all find ourselves in.
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1 ReactionThank you so much for all this info and sharing your personal experience - I really appreciate it. Take care.
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1 ReactionI assume she meant whether to take an Aromatase Inhibitor or not. If you are ER+ and/or PR+ then this drug suppresses all hormones in your body, which were feeding your cancer. 40% of people have negative side effects from taking this pill. I have about 13 months left to take mine to hit my 5 year mark. My doctor talked about taking it for 10 years - but I discussed it at length with her and we decided I could stop at 5 years. I was on anastrozole for 12 months and suffered terrible joint pain - especially in my hands. I switched to Exemestane, which for me, has had less side effects. If you are pre-menopausal - they usually prescribe tamafoxin. Get all the information you need to make an informed decision on this. Good luck.
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1 ReactionNot everyone has bad side effects from an AI. And those people do not post on this web site. Something like 60% have none. Ask your doctor what % chance of re-occurrence they think you have. I was told an AI reduces that percentage by 50%. So if you chance of reoccurrence is 10% - then an AI will make it 5%. I was told my % was 6%. But I was only 62 when diagnosed. I decided to take the AI to lower my risk. Each of us have to make our own choices based on the information we have been given. Good luck.
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2 ReactionsHi again @finallyretired. I’m new to all this - could you explain what the “pill treatment” is?
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2 ReactionsHello @tctredwell1. Thank you so much for your quick response. I'm sorry you are not doing so great today. With hope tomorrow will be better. For sure let me know what the results are from your doctor. I'm so confused and frustrated with everything so I understand how you're feeling, or as much as I can. I'm still just trying to make my way through the pill treatment. I don't want to take it however I'm afraid not too. Good luck and I'm sending prayers your way. 🙂
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2 ReactionsHi ‘finally retired’.
I don’t have the findings yet or the final diagnosis from my second opinion doctor. I will see him this Thursday afternoon and will let you know where I stand. As far as ‘how I’m doing’ - not so great today. I guess I’m finally crashing after that marathon of tests. Ugh! Thanks for asking and take care.
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