Guest guest Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Hello, I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total mastectomy. I'll see them again next Tuesday. I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do have DCIS in my left breast. I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? Thanks. Ruth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Ruth, If it were me I would have both breasts removed. Better safe than sorry. You will be in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com new member here... Hello, I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total mastectomy. I'll see them again next Tuesday. I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do have DCIS in my left breast. I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? Thanks. Ruth ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.412 / Virus Database: 268.18.4/705 - Release Date: 2/27/2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Ruth, I would take the most aggressive response that I could. Breast cancer is very treatable and beatable. sandy from Wisconsin --- Ruth rufandduck@...> wrote: > Hello, > I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 > days later the > plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered > in the removed > tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a > breast cancer > specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Don't pick lemons. See all the new 2007 cars at Yahoo! Autos. http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Ruth - If I had it to do over, I would have both breasts taken. I only had my right, but now I have found another lump in my left so I might be going through everything again. My surgeon at the time was on the side of to do the least amount necessary. I think – knowing what I know now, that I should have been more proactive and had the other breast taken…if just to prevent the fear of reoccurrence that I have been living with. Really, you’ d be surprised how little you miss them when they’re gone. But, of course, that’s my experience with a very supportive family and friends. new member here... Hello, I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total mastectomy. I'll see them again next Tuesday. I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do have DCIS in my left breast. I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? Thanks. Ruth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 I had cancer only in my left breast, but I had a bilateral mastectomy because I fear recurrence. I'm being very aggressive w/ my surgeries. I'm having my ovaries removed next month because my cancer is es+, and there is ovarian cancer in my family. I have a 10 year old child, and I'm doing everything I can to live as long as I can for him. > > Hello, > I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the > plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed > tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer > specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the > tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four > weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and > their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a > year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to > discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of > action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 > other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total > mastectomy. I'll see them again next Tuesday. > I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through > my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the > reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my > medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in > very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do > have DCIS in my left breast. > I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to > take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a > grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, > plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. > Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? > Thanks. > Ruth > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 > > Hello, > I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the > plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed > tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer > specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the > tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four > weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and > their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a > year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to > discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of > action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 > other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total > mastectomy. I agree that that doesn't seem very helpful - nothing or everything. In my own case, because there were two cancers in the same breast, the surgeon was adamant that I have a mastectomy of that breast. Period. She said my breast wanted to make cancer, and that was her recommendation, rather than two lumpectomies (one was DCIS, and the other IDC). Lobular cancer is rarer than ductal. Have you done any research online at the verious cancer organizations to see what the treatment options are there? > I'll see them again next Tuesday. > I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through > my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the > reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my > medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in > very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do > have DCIS in my left breast. That's pretty heavy to deal with - multiple sites in one breast, and at least one site in both, even if it is very early. > I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to > take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a > grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, > plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. > Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? Given the number of relative you have who've had breast cancer, it seems to me that you should probably undergo some genetic testing. I had a strong family history as well: my father's sister had early onset and died from it in her mid-30s, about 45 years ago. One of my father's first cousins also had it, and eventually died from colon cancer years later. My father developed it 10 years ago, and my older sister a couple years later. Now me (diagnosed 12/29/06). I had the genetics test done, and it turns out I tested positive for one of the mutations on the BRCA1 gene (first BReast CAncer gene discovered. On account of the statistics associated with that mutation, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy and a salpingo- oophorectomy (ovaries and tubes removed) as well, for risk reduction of recurrence. That was done on Feb. 8, 2007. Ovarian cancer is associated with the BRCA mutations, but I don't know if cervical cancer is. It may be, but it seems associated with the human papilloma virus. Women with HIV are more at risk for cervical cancer, for example, and that is also why there is a vaccine that is now available. Anyway, if your family history is that strong, I recommend you find someone who will get you tested for the breast cancer gene mutations. The first test done on someone in your family is about $3k, so you would need insurance to pick it up unless you just happen to have that much money lying around. Once you know the specific mutation, other members of your family can be tested for just that one, for about $300-$400. It is also possible, unfortunately, that the specific mutation that involves your family isn't identified yet, so you might want to treat a 'negative' results (ie negative for mutation) with caution, given the family history. If you don't want your insurance company to know, there are places that will do it without putting in your record, but you'll have to pay for the tests yourself. Once you have the results, it might make your decision a little easier, because you'll have some numbers to deal with. And my surgeon would *not* have done all that surgery if the genetics tests had come out negative - she would not have removed healthy tissue unless she was sure there was considerable risk. With the results, she would have insisted on the ovaries coming out because she said there is no good screen for ovarian cancer, but she would have let me keep the other breast had I so chosen, since there is good screening for breast cancer. I hope this helps. Ann Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Hi Ruth, have you thought about seeing another oncologist? I have a hard time saying what other people should or should not do, sometimes I don't know what I should do for myself. But with that much history in your family maybe you should see someone else. I will say this much: I was diagnosed with DCIS in 2004, left breast only, had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. My cancer came back as stage 3 in the same side; I was rediagnosed in October of last year. Although the right side was clear I opted to have both breasts removed and while it's been hard I am still happy with my decision. I know about the anger part; I am still dealing with it. There are several lovely ladies here who have really helped me with it both on the forum as well as through off line emails (Thank You to You Know Who You Are:) ). It is such a very personal decision about what to do, how to deal with the anger, etc. But what I want to say is this...I didn't want to risk the chance of having to go through this all over again in the future with the right breast. Knowing what I know now, if I were in your shoes, I would have both removed, commit the time involved for reconstruction if that's what you want. Hindsight is 20/20 but wish I had a crystal ball the first go round; I would have removed both of them then. Did your oncologist tell you what the percentage chances of a reoccurence were with each alternative? Ask them that, they should be able to tell you based on your pathology. > > Hello, > I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the > plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed > tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer > specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the > tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four > weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and > their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a > year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to > discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of > action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 > other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total > mastectomy. I'll see them again next Tuesday. > I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through > my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the > reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my > medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in > very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do > have DCIS in my left breast. > I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to > take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a > grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, > plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. > Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? > Thanks. > Ruth > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 28, 2007 Report Share Posted February 28, 2007 Ruth: Welcome to the best family in the world, connected by the common experience of breast cancer and all the ups and downs that go with it. This is all new to you, just like it has been with others who go through this. It would seem that your doctors could be more specific with you about a lot of things. I would really be asking them a lot of questions. I had a ductectomy in both breasts and breast reduction in 2003. Precancer cells were found at that time and I was told to monitor things and have yearly mammogram and BSE. In 2006, December 11 I had a mastectomy of the left breast with diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2, with no lymph node involvement. I have often wondered if the breast reduction didn't stir up some cancer cells. No one would really know but it is a question that I have pondered many times since my diagnosis. I am concerned that the doctors have not been more honest and straightforward, especially with your family history. This is a sudden change in your life and probably you are in shock, too. It is difficult to comprehend all that has transpired thus far. You have my support here and prayers as well as those who are in this sisterhood here. There are breast cancer survivors, newly diagnosed and some, like myself who are somewhere in the middle. We have all faced uncertainities of diagnoses and treatment but we have made it and so will you. Let us know what you find out. Please ask questions. There is never a question are here that is wrong or silly or anything like that. Take care. Ruth rufandduck@...> wrote: Hello, I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total mastectomy. I'll see them again next Tuesday. I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do have DCIS in my left breast. I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? Thanks. Ruth Jan Koelsch --------------------------------- Cheap Talk? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 Hi Ruth and welcome. I would agree with the majority here who have commented in saying that I would consider treating this very aggressively. It also seems like you are not getting straight answers from your doctor's and that is key in determining what you should do next. You can't really make good decisions without all of the information - right? I had and invasive Stage I, Grade 3 just one year ago, chose to have a lumpectomy (then had to have it re- excised 7 months after) and if I had it to do over again, I'd have a double mastectomy. Hang in there - ask tons of questions - we've all been where you are and we're here to help. Hugs! Ellen > > Hello, > I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the > plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed > tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer > specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the > tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four > weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and > their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a > year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to > discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of > action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 > other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total > mastectomy. I'll see them again next Tuesday. > I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through > my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the > reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my > medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in > very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do > have DCIS in my left breast. > I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to > take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a > grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, > plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. > Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? > Thanks. > Ruth > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 1, 2007 Report Share Posted March 1, 2007 >Hi Ruth: Let me give you the dissenting opinion. You just had a bilateral reduction mammoplasty. In reducing the fatty tissue in the breast you have greatly reduced the local production of estrogen in the breasts which is, presumably, what has created the local environment that is conducive to possibly developing breast carcinoma. I say " possibly " because in-situ carcinoma is not the same thing as actual invasive carcinoma--- by a long shot. In-situ carcinoma as an incidental finding on biopsy or at the time of a reduction mammoplasty, is not uncommon!! In situ-carcinoma will only progress to actual invasive carcinoma about 40% of the time! Many experts believe that reduction mammoplasties decrease the chance of ever developing BC by 70%. That being said... you need to be watched with annual breast screening, and the scarring from the mammoplasy will make mammograms less capable of detecting early BC. Thus, you may require annual MRI exams for good breast screening. These are not available everywhere (you might need to go to a local university medical center where breast MRI's are commonly performed). They are not cheap tests..... they cost much more than mammograms and not all insurance providers pick up the total costs. In addition, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy for prevention purposes, for up to 5 years. Its a lot to think about. Don't feel compelled to make any rash decisions without having an adequate time to read, reflect, and discuss your options with those individuals you trust and feel comfortable with. Best of luck, Anne V. > Hello, > I had breast reduction surgery in December and 8 days later the > plastic surgeons told me " something " was discovered in the removed > tissues by the pathologists. 18 days later I saw a breast cancer > specialist. She informed me they'd found LCIS and DCIS in the > tissues and she gave me a paper to read about Tamoxifen, period. Four > weeks later I saw the oncologists. They said I only had LCIS and > their opinion was that with very close observation {monthly for a > year or so, then trimonthly) and taking Raloxifene they'd be able to > discover any invasive cancers early and be able to decide a course of > action then, depending what all was found. They also mentioned 2 > other options...I could do nothing or I could have a bilateral total > mastectomy. I'll see them again next Tuesday. > I've been researching a lot about breast cancer and walking through > my 'anger'. I'm considered stage 0 {and I'm very lucky I had the > reduction surgery). I requested and received a copy of all my > medical records since December 13th. The pathology report says in > very clear plain english that I do have LCIS in both breasts and I do > have DCIS in my left breast. > I'm scared, feeling very lost, and not 100% sure of which path to > take. Recently I found out that I have several aunts, 1st cousins,a > grandmother and a greataunt whom all had invasive breast cancers, > plus several aunts and 1st cousins who have had cervical cancers. > Does anyone have some advice or thoughts to share with me? > Thanks. > Ruth > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2007 Report Share Posted March 2, 2007 Ruth, Let me tell you my story. In the process of getting ready for bil. breast reduction, my screening mammogram showed a suspicious spot. Further testing, which included an MRI, confirmed that this non palpable lesion needed to be excised. Pathology showed infiltrating ductal carcinoma, ER+PR+. Sentinel node biopsy was negative. I went ahead and had the breast reductions, with the plastic surgeon taking more tissue from the area of the lump. I just started on radiation treatments, then will go on Femara for 5 years. Had I not done the breast reductions, the recommendation was to have radiation, followed by Femara. So your story is just a little bit backwards of mine, and even better, as you have LCIS and DCIS. Take a deep breath, relax, thank your guardian angel that it was found, and listen to your oncologist. Get a second opinion if you are not comfortable. The radiologist who found the suspicious spot in the first place thinks that I should have yearly MRIs because the scarring from the reductions may mask finding another cancer. Fortunately, I am a nurse practitioner at that clinic, so will be able to work the insurance to get it paid for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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