DCIS Recurrence ??

dhyatt58

I was diagnosed with Grade 3 DCIS in July of 2014. I had a lumpectomy and 5 weeks of radiation therapy. I am currently on Tamoxifen for the next 5 years. My DCIS was ER/PR positive. I just went in for my 6-month diagnostic mammogram and do my 6-month follow-up with the Dr. on the 23rd. Yesterday I received a letter from the hospital where I had my mammogram done stating that I need to speak to my Dr. asap that I need further clinical evaluation. This is SCARY! How often does DCIS recur within a 6-month time frame? Or another form of cancer? Could it be scar tissue??? Has anyone else had this happen and what were the results?

Annette47

I'm not going to lie and pretend that it couldn't be a recurrence, as it could, but it could also be all sorts of other things, too. It sounds like a form letter that they sent? After my first (6 month) mammogram I got the form letter telling me they couldn't completely rule out malignancy and that I needed to do short-term followup instead of waiting a full year (so basically a BiRads3 instead of an all-clear).

I was scheduled for every 6 months anyway, but the letter scared me. My doctor said it was because everything was still settling in from the lumpectomy (her words were "it might like ok on the outside, but to an x-ray it's still a train wreck") and they would need to get another baseline once the scarring etc had settled down some more. I guess instead of specifying the exact problem, they just send a form letter. I just had my 2 year mammo and all was well. Hopefully it's just something like that for you, too. Try not to worry too much until your appointment (easier said than done, I know!)

Moderators

Hi austin,

Worrying is the worst part, no doubt. We all understand how that feels, and it is not easy! Just make your appointment (if you haven't already), and we'll all be here to help you with the waiting game.
The Mods

Jelson

If you have not done so already, call your doctor to make sure that he/she has received the report and to get a prescription for any necessary follow-up diagnostic scans - the results of which might then be available to discuss at your 2/23 appt.

have2laugh

dhyatt58- It is definitely concerning to get such a letter but I think we have to consider the changes that occur and are still evolving for some time after surgery and radiation. I considered these new mammograms or MRIs-especially the first one- as establishing a new baseline. They really can't compare all areas of these images to your preop studies due to post op changes. I would certainly follow up as directed but also be aware they may be seeing continued fluid or inflammation from surgery or radiation and scar tissue may still be forming. That is why they use vitamin e to your scar so the radiologist can identify the surgical sites and try to distinguish scar tissue or surgical changes from other things. All of that being said I know how you feel having had more studies at 3 and 6 months post op. I think it very normal to be nervous especially when you may just have been feeling like you were putting all this behind you.

One thing I always do is get a copy of all of my results. This can be especially helpful if you see the same radiologist or practice so you can see how they are describing some of these areas. If they-the radiologist-is watching a particular area they will follow up on this in their note. This can help you know what exactly they are looking at and any changes from your last images. I do hope everything turns out well and wish you luck! Hang in there!

proudtospin

I was doing 6month mamos for the first 5 years after ending my rads, yeap got a couple of call backs!  had to go in for biopsies and review but all ended up fine and now, 6+ years out and doing yearlies

it can be lots of things, including scar tissue

remember the mamo center is going t be real cautious with you, and you want them to be

best to got get busy to take your mind off of it

dang but I do remember those call backs~~