New diagnosis Low grade DCIS ? Treatment

Stella123

I am waiting to have a lumpectomy after my initial diagnosis of low grade DCIS from my needle biopsy. My surgeon said that I may or may not need radiation and that I may or may not need tamoxifen after my lumpectomy. He also would not commit to sending me to an oncologist. I had to ask him about the hormone receptors and they are positive. A few days later I received a phone call from the hospital checking to see if I have questions about radiation and tamoxifen. I am so confused now. What is the typical treatment for low grade dcis. I'm 42 years old

rosierosie

I had low grade dcis, I had lumpectomy and radiation for 4 wks and I am taking tamoxifen. You could not see any difference in my breast, I am know in follow up care every l 6 mths I have a mammo and sonogram. and then next 6 mths a MRI I go for my MRI tommorow the surgery was not bad at all easy to say now I also had a sentineal node bisopy, my surgeon is very through. Just keep asking questions

MTwoman

Stella, although the surgeon is typically the first member of your 'team' that you meet, their expertise is cutting, not endocrine therapy or radiation. Best to schedule appointments with both an RO and an MO (radiation and medical oncologist) and discuss your specific situation and your personal risk factors. They will be able to have discussions with you about your personal risk and what their specialty offers as far as risk reduction. That lets you have a voice in weighing the risks of intervention against the risks of non-intervention and your personal risk tolerance. I had to have mx for my dcis, as I had multi-focal disease; so I didn't have rads. I also had ER-, so no tamox for me. Surgeries, reconstruction then done. If you have a nurse navigator at your hospital/treatment center, they can be irreplaceable in helping women understand the process, their options and how to advocate for their choices. Please do let us know how we can help! Good luck and ((hugs))

Stella123

mtwoman,

I actually had someone call me from the hospital asking if the dr had talked to me about rads and tamoxifen. I was a little surprised since my dr had acted like they don't treat low grade DCIS this way. I had already been researching DCIS and seeing that this was usually offered. I want to do everything possible to reduce my risk of a reoccurrence. Thanks for your advice. I will def follow up with an oncologist after my lumpectomy. I'm scheduled for June 22nd. We had a vacation planned that I decided to continue with

Stella123

thank you Rosierosie!

I definitely will

MTwoman

Stella, So glad you are continuing with your vacation plans! Put this all out of your head for that time, and return refreshed and ready to get down to 'business'. Once you have your team together and your plan in place, you'll be surprised how quickly you'll feel more empowered. Good luck and let us know how you're doing!