just diagnosed with lcis

Fussykat -- I can relate. I was diagnosed two months ago with LCIS and the information (or lack of clear direction, really) is a bit overwhelming. I keep debating options as well. Good thing with LCIS is we have time to do more research and decide what is right for each of us. It seems to be very personal the path one chooses.  And I keep telling myself this is a good thing! I don't have cancer right now, and I  have information that will help me protect myself from getting in the future. Not everyone has that chance, so maybe it's not such a bad thing.

If it's any help, I spoke again with my surgeon on Thursday because my estimated risk with the LCIS is over 60%, which is far higher than what you usually see with LCIS (around 30%). I have no family history of BC aside from a cousin, so it is confusing. The models aren't great for predicting.  It's really just an educated guess.  But, I asked her given my risk level if mastectomies should be on the table as an option. She said it's an option, but she really doesn't think it's the right path for me. She really wants me to try Tamoxifen and do the high-risk screenings every six months. I'm unsure, but I will take a deep breath and wait to meet with the oncologist next month to see what she has to say too. 

I am nervous about Tamoxifen as well given the side effects and it can interact with other medications I've taken in the past. But, I'm leaning towards giving it a try. I figured we could always try it and if it's not a good fit, I could look at other options. Perhaps you could give it a try too and see how it goes. You always have the other options still on the table. 

It is nice to have this group of ladies who "get it" to talk to. It's hard to explain this to others!

Bevisland -- I'm sorry you are going through this. But, know you are definitely not alone!    It's an unnerving situation with the elevated risk, constant monitoring, etc...and that brings up lots of emotions. I sometimes feel silly for getting upset because I do feel so lucky I don't have cancer at this point. But, then I think "It's ok to be scared!" and just let myself feel how I feel -- there are a lot of things to consider with LCIS and it is sometimes overwhelming. I hope your next biopsy brings you good news!  Please keep us posted and know you are definitely around women who understand what you are going through.  {{ hugs }}

Thanks for the support and well wishes. Just met with my oncologist for the first time. He told me that with LCIS at 44, my breasts being so fibrous and having so many calcifications, I am a "ticking time bomb". His words, not mine. He recommended a DMS with reconstruction. The results from the biopsy Wednesday will determine if I will need further treatment with him (radiation, etc.). I meet with the plastic surgeon tomorrow. I'm back in shock again. This is going to be a Thanksgiving week to remember! But I am thankful for my new found friends.

Fussykat, for some reason almost all of the few people with LCIS who stick around on this board are women who chose PBX. I don't think that is the most common choice andI think that gives a biased perspective when you ask that question here. I don't intend to have one unless I start having to get very frequent biopsies and I am not taking an AI or Tamoxifen. Most women with LCIS do not go on to develop cancer.

I was diagnosed with LCIS about 10 years ago, and, since my breast surgeon refused to do any further surgery on me, I chose tamoxifen. I completed 5 years of tamoxifen, with 'warm flashes' in the beginning (but I was perimenopausal, so they may or may not have been from tamoxifen), and benign endometrial polyps every 1.5 years or so while I was on tamoxifen (but I also had them before I was on tamoxifen.)

I have had no more breast issues since year 2 after diagnosis, and my onc doesn't want to see me anymore. I continue annual mammograms, and bilateral breast exams, as the NCCN recommends. If you have atypical LCIS (such as PLCIS) or a strong family history of mainly breast or ovarian cancer, especially in first degree relatives before the age of 50, that gives you a potentially higher risk.

I agree with Melissa -most women with classic LCIS who choose continued monitoring +/- antihormonals without PBMs do not stay on this board, and go back to their normal lives. Make your choice based on _your_ circumstances, consult both your head and your heart (your risk factors, the risks and benefits of each choice, and how you feel about each choice) along with your doctors, to come to the best decision for you. If you choose, you can start antihormonals, and if you don't like them you can stop.