Questions re: Second Opinion

Joanie207

I am heading to Boston for a second opinion at Dana-Farber. Can anyone tell me what to expect? I've asked so many questions of my BS, Oncologist, PS, but am thinking that there must be an array of new questions for D-F. Can I expect that they will make my decision easier?

I am hopeful that I will have much more clarity after that visit. So far, I have 3 options: 1) do vigilant follow-up and wait; 2) PBM and 3) Tamoxifen and wait. Please let me know if I am missing anything. 

leaf

You can also have PBMs without reconstruction (obviously).

If you are postmenopausal, there is also the option of raloxifene. 

There are clinical trials of other medications.  (See my last post  http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/47/topic/653988?page=1#idx_28)

At my 2nd opinion, they reviewed my mammos, did a breast biopsy.

I wanted to ask them about my breast cancer risk.  For that experience, see my thread 2nd opinion at major institution in the High Risk forum.  (There was no LCIS forum at that time.)

I'm sure different people have different experiences.  Some people have had excellent experiences at Duke.  I had a poor experience, and go to my local onc for LCIS care.  I also go to that major institution for a different problem (scleroderma) and am very satisfied with my care there in a different department.

Anonymous

Chinamom---I did a combination of #1 and #3 (close monitoring and tamoxifen).  I say did, because I just finished my 5 years of tamox about 2 months ago, but I'm still closely monitored and will be indefinitely.  I have digital mammos alternating every 6 months with MRIs, US as needed,  and frequent breast exams.  As Leaf said, raloxifene is also now a choice for LCIS, provided you are post menopausal.  I will be starting on it (also known as Evista) after the holidays for further prevention of invasive bc. I know this may be overkill, as tamox continues to have prevention benefits for 10 to 15 years after stopping it, but I like to be really proactive. It all comes down to  how much risk you can live with comfortably and it's an extremely personal choice, one  no one can make for you.

Anne