ILC & LCIS in Same Breast

I was diagnosed with ILC in the left breast last December and chose to have a mastectomy with SNB. Had 5 positive nodes. At the time, I did not know about the increased risk of having it in the other breast otherwise I would have chosen to do a bilateral at the same time. After chemo and rads were finished, I had a prophylactic mastectomy on the right in September. Path report came back atypical lobular hyperplasia which is precancerous. The surgeon said it was only a matter of time before I would have had the same thing in that breast. I am glad I made that decision. It is enough to worry about it recurring someplace else. Don't want to have to do chemo again unless I have to. The only difference between LCIS and ILC is that LCIS has not broken through the wall of the lobule and ILC has. My tumor was 70% LCIS and 30% ILC. What to do is an individual decision. You do what will make you comfortable.

Sue
ILC L mast nodes + ER/PR+ Her2neu -/proph R mast
AC x 4/Taxol x 4, 28 rads Arimidex x 5yrs

Laura:

I had LCIS on left side and my Onc said tamoxifen was indicdated. Because of family history (lots of , I had genetic testing and wash shocked to be told I had a BRCA-2 mutation. The Onc insisted on a baseline MRI before the tamoxifen and discovered three suspicious lesions in the right breast. Thank goodness for that MRI.

I underwent bilat with reconstruction that was successful except for a staph infection setback. I did 6 cycles of Taxol - not fun, but better than AC. In September I did a 45 mile bikeride to raise funds for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. My hair is growing back and - all in all - life is good. Let me restate that - Life is great.

Losing both breasts was traumatic. My husband held me the whole night before the surgery and we both cired. But the alternative - possibly losing my life - was unthinkable. I feel like I can look back and say I did everything I could to get rid of it.

You can always go back and consider the mastectomy on the other side. Or you can just be extra diligent about getting checked frequently. Only you can decide what's best for you.

Take care. I'll add you to my prayers too.

Debbie

Hi Laura,
I had idc and dcis in my right breast that a mast. was done on 2 years ago. I am now considering having my left breast removed as I had a mammo and u/s done a few weeks ago, and the technician at the time thought she seen something and then when the radiologist came into the room to have a peek, she said, "Oh, its nothing" and then walked out.
I see my surgeon in December and I am going to have a good talk with him about surgery. I am almost starting to imagine things in my armpit and the breast, I can't stand it anymore. Now i wish that I had a bilateral at the same time too, I am terrified of surgery, and I don't think that we will ever forget how painful the drains are when they are removed!!!
Take Care