dcis and hrt

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gabriellaM
gabriellaM Member Posts: 44
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Has anyone been in this situation?  I had DCIS and a BRCA2 mutation hence just had bmx 7 weeks ago.  Now I will be going for my oophrectomy and I'm wondering if I can take HRT (I am 46, get regular periods).  My breast surgeon said absolutely yes, since I had only DCIS, neg sentinel node, no microinvasions, nothing. The gyn-onc surgeon I saw said he though it would be ok but I should check with my breast oncologist.  I don't have a breast oncologist since I never needed chemo/radiation/tamoxifen etc. The gyn-onc said he would check with one of the breast oncologists at his hospital, but I was wondering if anyone else had encountered this dilemma. I really would like to take HRT if possible.

Thanks!

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited May 2014

    Do you know the hormone receptor status of your DCIS?  ER+ or PR+? I saw a naturopathic oncologist who suggested I not use any hormones so as not to fuel any remaining ER+ DCIS cells.  Mine was PR- but she said not enough was known about the way the body processes progesterone to feel confidant recommending it.  But I'm not sure about HRT in particular. 

    I also have a standard oncologist that I see.  It took a few tries to find someone who would follow me,  but it's great to have one when questions like this come up. Best wishes with your procedure and treatment! 

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  • gabriellaM
    gabriellaM Member Posts: 44
    edited May 2014

    My DCIS was ER and PR positive, but my thinking is that since I've had my bliateral mastectomy it's GONE so I should be able to take HRT.  If I had only had lumpectomy or even unilateral mx I could see the risk in HRT but since I had DCIS and I no longer have my original breasts I shouldn't have any breast cancer cells hiding out anywhere in my body once I've had my mastectomy.  Does that make sense?

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited May 2014

    There is a small risk of recurrence even after BMX because there is likely still some residual breast tissue in your body (like in your armpits or chest) that couldn't be taken during the mastectomy.  That's why our risk of recurrence is not zero.  I personally hate this fact!   

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited May 2014

    Hi Gabriella, I believe that the recurrence risk is slightly higher for those with BRCA mutations following BMX, as compared to those without those mutations.  Whereas the recurrence risk is 1-2 percent without the mutation, with the mutation its around 5 percent, and my understanding is that the estimated recurrence risk is 50 percent risk of DCIS reoccurring and 50 percent for IDC to develop. If I were you, I'd try to get a consultation with an oncologist, not just hear the information second hand (from the gyn/onc). As LAstar said, there does remain a small amount of breast tissue after the surgery and for those with the BRCA mutations, there is still a greater propensity for that tissue to become malignant (small chance, but still there). 

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