Just diagnosed. Ok, what does this mean for me?

shabby6485

Any insight would be much appreciated....

Moderators

Hi Shabby,

While you wait for the advice from the ladies here, you might want to start at the main Breastcancer.org site and the LCIS section -- with info on treatment and follow-up care.

Hope this helps!

--The Mods

beacon800

Hello twin!  Sorry they have found LCIS.  Glad they did not find invasive!!

LCIS is a pain of a dx cause it means you have a higher risk for bc, but the risk is both breasts and in any spot.  Considering you have had a lot of abnormal results, you already knew you have a higher risk, so the LCIS is not a game changer.

You'll have a choice of high surveillance (MRI, mammos alternating) plus taking Tamoxifen, or elective bilateral preventative surgery.  Most people do the first and often that works out.  Sometimes it doesn't work out and later bc is found.  Sigh. 

Pretty much you'll be continuing what you've been doing, but Tamoxifen can really help.  You'll want to research it and check your medical history to see if it's for you as there are some side effects/risks.  From what I learned it can reduce your risk of cancer by up to 50%. 

Glad you don't have cancer.  LCIS is not technically cancer.  That is very good news on a Friday!

leaf

The usual options were nicely listed on the link the mods gave you http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/lcis/treatment.jsp- make sure you get a written copy of your pathology report! Most people have the classical LCIS, but some people do have pleomorphic LCIS, which may be more aggressive.  

Almost everything about LCIS is controversial, including the name.

The NCCN guidelines are only twice-a-year clinical exams and yearly mammograms,  with or without antihormonals, or bilateral mastectomies if clinically indicated.  http://www.nccn.com/files/cancer-guidelines/breast/index.html#/60/

I realize that I am probably followed less intensively than most other LCIS women who post here who have not had prophylactic mastectomies.   I am not entirely comfortable about this, but I also have (potentially) other serious medical conditions.

Since your excision found no invasive cancer, there is NO RUSH in making your treatment decisions.  I would urge you to examine all your options, weigh the risks and benefits of each one, and make your choice based on your heart and head.  

JanetM

Welcome to the club. I have chosen for now the close follow up of every 6 month mammos and ultrasounds and clinical exams. I chose not to do the Tamoxifen although it was offered as an option. Sometimes I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop but I just keep hoping for the best. Good luck.