LCIS: wait or be proactive

jmm919

I was diagnosed in late August with LCIS after having a cyst removed in my left breast.  I had endured two surgeries.  The last one I contracted E-Coli in my breast....I was soooo sick.  The same day I saw my surgeon for the E-Coli infection, I was told I have invasive. Talk about adding insult to injury!!!   I toyed with what to do and sought a second opinion.  Six weeks later my dr. at Magee in Pittsburgh told me that it is not invasive.  I'm seeing this dr. tomorrow to find out about treatment options.  My question to all is:  Who out there chose to wait and not have BMX and then later regretted their decision?   I've read so much on this.  I'm a worrier and not sure I can wait.  But at the same time don't want to regret my decisions....either way.   It was, and this sounds horrible, easier before when I thought I had invasive and knew what I was going to do.  Help....anyone!  Jo

beacon800

You are wise to take a moment to sort out your feelings.  From what you have been through, your stress will be off the charts and it's hard to think clearly about what to do.  Many with LCIS just do monitoring.  There are some cases where this did not work out.  Many where it did work fine.  You might PM "docbabs" and check her point of view.  I am not sure totally what she feels but she is a good resource.

Do you have a family history?  Are you a candidate for BRCA testing?  Those things can help your choices.  You do have time to consider all your options so don't feel rushed.  You have been through a huge trama and need breathing space to recover.

Crescent5

Jo, I'm sorry you're in this club. I was dx'd a year ago and as of yet, have not had PBM. It's something I've leaned toward once I was upgraded to PLCIS. So I take it one month at a time. I felt for me, I had to give monitoring a go. I was afraid to make a life altering decision when I was still so emotional. I'm glad I've waited, because I've been able to gather a lot more information, and if I choose to do PBM, I know what I want (for instance, did you know there's a skin and nipple sparing mastectomy?).

The first mammo was terrifying, but it turned out OK. The first MRI was nerve wracking, but OK. That was a few weeks ago, so I'm thinking about this crap again. It's always there, but I've managed to live a pretty decent life this year.

You do have some time on your side. Someone here once said that her BS won't do PBM until 6 months after LCIS dx, because many women change their minds once they settle into their new reality. After 6 months, I felt pretty good about close monitoring, but waiting for the MRI results brought it all back. I think at this point if I decide to do PBM, there will be no regrets because I can say I've thought it all through. You're right, making a decision is agonizing. I wish you the best of luck.

vmudrow

I'm a worrier and when I got a ALH diagnosis I chose PBMX. I just knew it was time for me. Take the time to make sure.