DCIS,LCIS, ADH,ALH

Amybarts, I was 44 when I had my first biopsy for ADH on the left breast, I was monitored every 6 months with mammo and cbe from my surgeon. 18 months later, close to my 46th birthday, I had my 2nd abnormal mammo requiring a biopsy on the right, it was ADH again. My doctor put me on tamox and suggested I consider pbm because of the contralater ADH as well as family history of breast/ovarian cancers. I started my decision making by writing down a list of pro and con reasons to keep my breasts vs bilat mast. For me to see it in writing helped me to think clearly. At the age of 46 and 1/2 I had my third abnormal mammo in 24 months, right side again in the same area as previous ADH. Using my pro/con list I opted for bilat mast. It wasn't an easy decision to make but only one that you can make for yourself. You will see all kinds of reasons to keep or to remove both breasts on this site but it is a personal decision.

About the insurance, because I had problems previously in both breasts they did cover all surgeries.

Sheila

Amy--- I was diagnosed with LCIS over 6.5 years ago and my risk is further elevated due to family history of bc (mom had ILC); I do high risk surveillance of alternating mammos with MRIs every 6 months, took tamoxifen for 5 years and now have been on evista for over a year for further preventative measures. This route works for me, BUT I've never had to go for any more biopsies over the years--if I did, I might very well chose PBMs. It's a very personal decision--only you can decide when "enough is enough". Since you have DCIS as well, it trumps all the other things as it is the most serious, and your treatment will be directed at the DCIS primarily. (although having the LCIS  puts both the breasts at equal risk of invasive bc). Are they also recommending radiation? Good luck with your decisions--whatever you decide will be the right choice for you.

anne

I was diagnoised in January with ALH.  With family history and numerous biopsies already I am ready for masectomies.  My surgeon is supportive and I didn't want to take tamoxifen and have MRIs every year etc.  I don't want to sit and wait until I get cancer.  My insurance has approved everything.  Good luck with your decision - MY SURGERY IS TOMORROW!!  Nervous but glad to get it behind me.

I was initially diagnosed with DCIS in my right breast, multifocal and widespread. Mammogram hadnt shown anything before. MRI after stereotactic biopsy also showed areas of concern in the right breast. I didn't think more than a second before telling my BS "they both come out". God thinking, as the pathology after surgery showed, the left braest was full of ATH, on it's joyous way to become DCIS too.

By my knowledge, federal laws make mandatory for all health insurance carriers to cover not only mastectomies,but also breast reconstruction.

You might want to take a look at this:

 http://www.thebreastcaresite.com/tbcs/QualityOfLife/InsuranceLegal/ImportantBreastCancerLegislation.htm