Stage 1, ER+PR+ Her2-, tiny IDC tumors - what is your treatment?

mel147

Hi, Ladies -

I am Stage 1a. My DCIS was very large, but my IDC was very small. I had four tiny IDC tumors - .8mm, 1mm, 1.5mm and 3mm and my nodes and LVI were negative. My MO said definitely no chemo was required and said there was not much data on tumors this small and he did not feel I should do Tamoxifen. I am approaching my one year mark and I find myself wondering just how many in my situation are not taking anything. It seems like the 1a sisters are all over the place!! I am also pre-menopausal. Although I had my uterus removed in 2003 and 1 ovary with a cyst removed in 2011, my remaining ovary seems to still be working. Estrogen level in October was 249.7, which was actually the highest mine has ever tested. I've seen ladies in my stage doing ovarian suppression and AI's or having their ovaries removed and many ladies are on Tamoxifen. Some seem to have done chemo, as well. I guess I'm wondering why so much difference in the protocol for the same stage? Is my MO not being aggressive enough in an effort to spare me side effects, or are there many ladies like me who are not doing any follow-up treatment? Perhaps the ladies who aren't doing any treatment aren't on these forums? Of course I'm also wondering how many ladies who didn't have additional treatment went on to a higher stage, but I suspect none of them are posting here. I try not to worry unnecessarily, but it is hard sometimes when I see so many people doing treatment in addition to surgery. Thanks!

PatRN10

Hi, Check out this thread. ​Stage 1, Grade 1, ER/PR +, thinking of refusing AIs   there is a poster who is in a situation similar to yours DCIS with just 1mm IDC. She posted today.

keepthefaith

If I were second guessing my TX, I would probably seek a second opinion....but that's just me! Good luck

Dancermom1999

Hi Mel147

I had 2 microinvasions and an idc of 2.6mm,January 2014.. Very tiny...No chemo, no onco. too small. I started on Tamoxifen but developed problems with my uterus and tumor on my ovary so had hysterectomy this past Oct. As I am now post menopausal I take anastozole. I was given the choice and I chose to take it,

mel147

Thanks, all for the replies. When I first met with him, I thought he was leaning towards not having me take it, but was giving me the choice, but then the second time I met with him, it seemed like it was a definite no he did not think the benefits would outweigh the risks since I have had some problems with taking things in the past. I have thought about a second opinion, but I do realize if I look I will certainly find someone else who will say go ahead and take it. Since I don't really know what is the best thing for me to do I have been trying to trust in what he recommends. I am going to go check out that other thread now!

rgiuff

Although I didn't stick with it fully, my plan was to take tamoxifen for 5 years. Lumpectomy with SNB, no chemo, no messing with my ovaries, had radiation, and then just took tamoxifen. I took a couple of breaks from it while I was on it. I got tired of some of the side effects and then had to worry about my uterus thickening, so I stopped it after 3 years. I did naturally go through menopause during that time that I was on it. My Onc wanted me to start on an AI but I refused to further reduce the estrogen in my body, as I already didn't like the effects of menopause lowering my estrogen. I rely on exercise, healthy living, anticancer supplements, like tumeric and Vitamin D. It's been 7 years for me with no further problems so far.

Tresjoli2

I am in your position, and I agonized. My tumor was 1.5mm and my dcis had one focus of microinvasaion. Unlike you, I am HER2 positive. VERY. so I chose chemo so I could get herceptin. I was too worried about the HER2. You don't have that, so skipping is an option. I would get a second opinion.