Breast Reduction revealed ALH in both breasts-very confused

LiveLaughBark

I went in two weeks ago for a routine breast reduction and today they told me that I have ALH and I need to see an oncologist/breast specialist.I am floored!No family history of any kind of cancer.I am 46 and have had mammograms since I was 28 due to the size of my (previous) breasts.

I don’t know what to think or how to process.I take Hormone Replacement therapy because I had a complete hysterectomy 3 years ago.I want to stop taking the pills because of this diagnosis and my concern that the estrogen is doing this to me.However, I don’t want to be in menopause and sweaty and moody and unable to sleep, etc.

Just confused how this all is happening.Any information anyone can give me on how to cope and approach the oncologist would be appreciated.

MelissaDallas

ALH does raise your risk for developing cancer, but maybe not as much as what you think, you'll just have to let them do your risk assessment for you and see what they say. They are going to tell you to stop the HRT though, I can just about promise you that.

DocBabs

You definitely will be told to stop HRT. I too found that very difficult. My ALH was found on a stereotactic biopsy. The BS that I saw wanted to do a surgical excision of the area and that revealed the presence of LCIS. Both my oncologist and my BS reassured me that this was NOT cancer and not likely to become cancer. You may be put on Tamoxofin for several years. I was not due to a history of a prior pulmonary embolis. You'll have high risk screening done which will include mammos and US alternating with MRIs. I went that route for 3 years and then guess what???? IDC with a little DCIS thrown in. There are some here that have had BMX for the ALH and /or LCIS. In retrospect I wish I had done the same. Discuss ALL options with both your BS and Oncologist.

Good luck on this crazy journey.