Huge decision

MargeK

Hello, I need some help with a huge decision. i have just been diagnosed with my second breast cancer. The first occurance was on the right side and it was invasive ductal carcinoma. I went through chemo and radiation, followed by tomoxifn for 5 years.. This occurance is DISC stage 0 on the left side. I am torn about what procedure to have.

1. Lumpectomy followed by radition, continued mamograms, and MRIs. The problem with this choice is that it does not lower my chances of having a third occurance.

2. Mastectomy - No raditaion, lymphnode removal. The problem with this choice is that I am a smoker and there are some concerns about possible skin death. Lowers chance of reoccurance by 95%.

3 Because of my smoking, I am not a canditate for reconstruction. Though that doesn't really matter to me.

I just am not sure what to do. Has anyone else had to make this decsion. If so, what did you choose and why. Please help me.

Marge

KBeee

you've noted the risks and benefits. Neither procedure will protect 100% from recurrence and neither is without risk, it comes down to how aggressive you want to be. Sorry you are faced with a recurrence. Best wishes with your tough decision

keepthefaith

You didn't post your DX, but If you are ER+, maybe further testing is needed, to see if you are Tamoxifen resistant or should try another Hormonal Therapy. Whatever you decide, get all of the information you can, whether it's a second or third opinion, until you are satisfied enough with the knowledge you have gained, to feel confident in your decision. Both of them lower the chance of recurrence, but neither is a guarantee. Is this the same pathology as your first DX? Maybe someone else will chime in, who has some experience. Best wishes.

BookWoman

It sounds like your second occurrence ( and it probably is a new primary rather than a recurrence) was at least five years after the first. Are you still premenopausal? You said you were on Tamoxifen for 5 years--many people now are on for longer or go to an AI. Is there any reason you can't take one of those? That might help prevent another occurrence. I have a somewhat similar history except reversed--I had DCIS first on the left side and then tubular (a type of IDC) on the right. Treatment for both was lumpectomy followed by radiation. Mine were also closer together, only about two years apart. I am now on letrozole, so hopefully that will prevent another occurrence. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

dlb823

Marge, I haven't been in your situation, but I have a few thoughts about it. First, do you know how extensive your area of DCIS is? I would think that could factor into deciding between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy. My second thought is, have you considered getting a second and maybe even a third opinion? As you may know, not all doctors think alike, and while the final decision will still be yours, sometimes just talking to additional docs can help to sort out your thinking on the choices. The third thing I would say is, keep in mind that DCIS is rarely, if ever, an emergency. Unless there are factors you haven't mentioned, I think you can take your time -- within reason, including some additional opinions -- to decide what you are truly comfortable doing. (((Hugs))) Deanna

MargeK

Thank you all for your respones. I have stage 0 DISC cancer this time. I have decided on the Bi-Lateral Mastectomy. I did speak with my doctor and medication is not really an option at this time. I am so scared of a third occurance. I am also afraid of the surgery, but not as afraid as a getting a third cancer. I am due to have my surgery on January 22, 2016. I am not going for reconstruction. i have been told that I can always do it later if I want to. Thank you all again for your help.