2 tumors, 2 types IDC & ILC

Texas46

I have 2 tumors in my right breast, one is IDC with lobular features, 2.3cm and the other is ILC, 1.2 cm.  I now have to decide whether to have unilateral or bilateral MX.  Confusing information on the recurrence rate for multiple tumors and ILC.  Anyone else face this and which did you choose and why?  Has anyone regretted prophylactic MX of the "healthy" breast?

dlb823

I had IDC and ILC side by side, as well as some smaller lesions of ILC (multicentric disease).  In my case, I felt very certain that HRT, which I'd been on for several years, played a role in my developing such a complex mix of bc, and of course immediately got off it.  My medical team @ UCLA felt strongly that a unilateral mx was the right approach.  I trusted them, and I'm very glad I followed all of their advice.  Keeping my healthy breast was the right decision for me, although I know you will get some strong opinions here for BMX, as well.

In the end, I think it comes down to risk tolerance.  In my case, I was willing to accept what my doctors thought was not a strong risk, especially since I'd gotten off the HRT.  I also opted for DIEP reconstruction, which worked great for me.

Good luck, and I'm glad you've found BCO!    Deanna 

Texas46

I forgot to mention that I'm premenopausal, never had children, and just turned 46.  Not sure if any of those factors make a difference in recurrence rates.

vlnrph

My ILC and IDC were in different quadrants, so MX was required and, like Deanna, I had DIEP which went well. The right had always been my "problem child" (2 episodes of mastitis when pregnant & nursing which led to an areolar biopsy in 1999) but the other was/is healthy and unilateral surgery seemed best.

You will probably go on tamoxifen in order to minimize recurrence. I did not have much success in locating data on diagnoses like ours. Most info is from ductal cases. Lobular is not as common and a much sneakier type...

catladytn

I have (had!) 3 types: IDC, LCIS and DCIS.  I was 2-for-2 on mammograms which required bx with a strong family hx of breast ca.  Because of the LCIS, I didn't hesitate to have BMX:  NO MORE MAMMOGRAMS!  NO MORE "HEADLIGHTS"!  BRAS THAT FIT!!!!! Just had my 2nd of 6 chemo tx (taxotere, carboplatin & herceptin).  My mom had 1 breast removed 25 years ago, then the other 10 years ago and wished she had had both removed the first time- she's much more comfortable now. You didn't mention having LCIS so your decision won't be the same as mine.  I just keep thinking about a slogan I read, "Yeah, they're fake!  My real ones almost killed me!"  I don't miss that worry!  good luck and God bless you!