ER positive DCIS

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Scwilly
Scwilly Member Posts: 489
edited March 2015 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I was dx triple negative IBC in late 2013. Now some DCIS a has been found, which is ER positive. Two questions:

It says 100% Immunoreactive cells present - what does this mean? Is this the top level??

Also - I'm going to bring my DIEP reconstruction forwards and have a right UMX (prev had left UMX) - so I was wondering - if I've no breast tissue and have only had DCIS ( assuming no invasive found - so far so good) will hormone treatment be required?

I've actually not discussed this yet with my MO (who's unfortunately in mat leave so I'm seeing ano one next weeks rfor my 3 monthly checkup) I just wanted to be prepared.

I've had a mammogram which found nothing else. Also had a chest X-ray today (have a persistent cough - think from rads) and that's fine. Going for a CT scan soon.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Sarah

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited February 2015

    Thanks Kayb, I had thought that but wondered as it was so large a %. Will check with MO next week. Im not up on Er+ as I was TN last time. My positive spin is that shows its not a recurrence, just a new one. Which is not good but feels better than my IBC-TN rearing its ugly head again.

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited February 2015

    Not sure about the 100% phrasing, although it is possible that it could be 100% ER+. Mine was listed as >90%, so high numbers are certainly possible.

    In answer to your other question though, with a bilateral mastectomy, and the only hormone positive cancer being pure DCIS, I can't see why they would really recommend Tamoxifen. The two reasons for taking it are of course to prevent recurrences (both distant and local) and to prevent new cancers. A distant recurrence of DCIS is by definition impossible, and the bilateral MX, while it doesn't make it impossible for a local recurrence or new primary, makes it unlikely enough that the risks of the drug may just not be worth the risk reduction at that point.

    Hope this helps a little bit ...

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited March 2015

    Thanks Annette47 - I hadn't thought you could get a result so high. Thanks also for your explanation of when hormonal treatment is needed - I hadn't looked into that area last time and I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

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  • april485
    april485 Member Posts: 3,257
    edited March 2015

    Yup, mine is greater than 95% ER+ so it is absolutely possible and since most DCIS is ER+ it is not a surprise even though your other BC was triple neg. As for whether or not to take tamox or an AI after mastectomy, it depends on what your odds of recurrence is because the AI/tamox will cut that risk by a little less than 50%. Your onc will tell you if worth it. I had lumpectomy so with high ER+ as I had, am taking the AI.

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited March 2015

    Scwilly, I came across this thread, and I wanted you to know Im sorry about your new diagnosis, and I am thinking of you!

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited March 2015

    Thank you for your kind words Meadow. It's a funny thing to have this after all the shock and treatment for IBC. Most of the time I feel quite calm and just want to get on with surgery. Sometimes I wonder if I should feel more shocked and scared - but then I don't want to go there. Its a bit like having kids - easier the second time but still real! Hope this makes sense - as I'm doing great and just waiting for surgery scheduling which I hope will be soon. I'm also getting a CT scan - which I don't expect I would have had if not for this - my approach is if there is anything there - best to find early. :D

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  • Scwilly
    Scwilly Member Posts: 489
    edited March 2015

    Kayb and April485 - its good to know that the figures make sense and I wasn't antidote with Er info so had no idea. Good to know I shouldn't need hormonals. I feel better informed for my appointment with my MO tomorrow. Thanks :D

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