DCIS - Grade 3 - radiation therapy or not?

Suzmarie

Hello all - I posted a while back that my DCIS was being treated as though it's no big deal. Unfortunately I still feel as though a lot of people think DCIS is not a big deal, which is sad. I have a new dilemma, hence reaching out to you all again. My story in a nut shell is this: DCIS right breast diagnosis in May 2015, lumpectomy in July with clean margins, Grade 3, comedo and necrosis, smaller than 1cm in size.. Radiation was recommended, but I haven't been able to start, due to some other health issues. I've had loss of ROM on the same side. I had shoulder surgery to try and increase my ROM, with the plan of proceeding with radiation. . However now, I'm stuck between two different medical opinions. MO says I'm OK to skip radiation and just take Tamoxifen, RO is saying that I should not skip radiation, "better to do it late than not at all". The RO even said that if we get too far out, such as 6 months from lumpectomy he might recommend another mammo, "just to be safe". Has anyone else had this similar situation? Has anyone ever skipped both and not had a reoccurrence? I appreciate any feed back! Thank you advance to anyone willing to share their journey.

Suzmarie

LisaAlissa

My diagnosis was similar to yours. DCIS, Grade 3, comedo necrosis, etc. I had a lumpectomy w/ sentinel node biopsy, followed by Mammosite radiation. I tried and "failed" with tamoxifen & then evista. So I'm very glad I had the radiation.

I'd start by inquiring about "why" they each think what they think. That is, the research basis of their opinions.

You don't say where you are, or what sort of facilities these two (MO & RO) are affiliated with, but I'd suggest a second opinion from a respected breast center (at a NCI-designated cancer center). Perhaps your primary care doc can help you identify a second opinion source? If not, go ahead and approach an NCI-designated center directly. They get patient inquiries for second opinions all the time.

This isn't something you can decide other than on the basis of how you feel about it. And you'll be happier if someone who keeps up on the scientific lit helps you make the call.

HTH,

LisaAlissa

Jelson

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/risk-for-lx-and-no-rads-for-dcis this is a recent research topic specifically on DCIS and radiation on BCO that might be helpful, though I concur with LisaAllisa that a second opinion might be just what you need to help you make a decision.

april485

And I third that second opinion! If two docs disagree, the way to get some answers might be to go to another doctor for another perspective. Best to you!