Follow Ups with DCIS and BMX

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cinnamonsmiles
cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I had a BMX w/ no reconstruction for DCIS on 1.11.11. I had asked my surgeon last summer what kind of follow up I will have. She said my family dr. should show me how to do self chest exams now (I realize now SHE should have shown me. Don't know why she didn't and why I didn't think of it then). So, thats it. I realize since the cancer was only in the milk ducts and the milk ducts are now gone, that there is very little chance of me getting cancer back.

Just wondering what the protocal for some other women with low to mid grade DCIS and BMX with  no recontruction have?

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  • JAT
    JAT Member Posts: 81
    edited February 2012

    I know that there is some difference in follow-up based on location. Some posters said that on the West coast (Calif), drs. recommend MRIs. I'm in the DC area and the norm seems to be physical exam by your breast surgeon 2x/year. I also see  my medical oncologist (I don't take tamox), but she runs basic blood work and examines me and I ask  about latest research news, etc. I also have an annual physical with my GP and gyno  but neither really seem to know what they are feeling for (I have implants and there is a lot of stuff going on!). The key is surveillance and your BS needs to look at you at least once or twice a year for the next few years (mine said forever), so make her do her job. When I feel something strange, the BS orders an ultrasound. The chance is never zero and we need to be vigilant.

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  • ZTeam
    ZTeam Member Posts: 44
    edited February 2012

    Hi Cinnamonsmiles,

    We're BMX twins! I had mine the same day as you and also didn't have reconstruction:) I just finished radiation and am meeting with my RO next week to discuss follow up. I'm interested to hear what she suggests and it's helpful to see the range of follow-up - thanks for asking this question. I'll post after my appointment.

    Lisa 

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited February 2012

    Hey there (hi ZTeam!),

    Yep, most advise just skin checks/breast exams post.  However, I have read that if you have had close margins (aka you and I ZTeam), you may warrant follow-up mammo's/MRI's.  Not sure how that would apply to your case, ZTeam, since you haven't had reconstruction, but thought you may want to discuss this with your RO.   

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  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 4,039
    edited February 2012
    Oh let me clarify my post:  the study I read that recommended follow-up mammo's/MRI after MX with close margins was for skin sparing mastectomies.  So if you didn't have this, I think the concern would be lower. 
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  • ZTeam
    ZTeam Member Posts: 44
    edited March 2012

    Thanks DT. My appointment with my RO was rescheduled to March 15th. I will definitely bring this up with her as I had a skin sparing mastectomy. However, I recall that my breast surgeon said that I would notice a recurrence/lump before a mammogram/MRI would pick it up as the technology isn't sophisticated enough to detect very small recurrences. 

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