Has anyone done radiation but no hormonal treatment

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PlanB58
PlanB58 Member Posts: 157
edited April 2016 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I have recently been diagnosed with DCIS. It was found by MRI. The biopsy suggested LCIS but after lumpectomy the dx was changed. Wide clear margins and tumor less than cm.

As there is a history of breast cancer in my family I did not have hormone replacement therapy. I have gotten through menopause. I will be meeting with the RO and MO. As the tumor was so small and the margins clear wondering about further treatment. I will be seen every 6 months for 3D Mamogram/MRI.

Has anyone just done the radiation

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  • ChiSandy
    ChiSandy Member Posts: 12,133
    edited April 2016

    What was the tumor’s ER/PR status? Many DCIS tumors are hormone-receptor negative, so that radiation alone is the post-op treatment because anti-hormonals would be useless without hormone receptors in the tumor.

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  • PlanB58
    PlanB58 Member Posts: 157
    edited April 2016

    It was positive for both. I'm sure the blockers will be recommended.

    Was wondering if anyone did not choose them

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited April 2016

    Hi Plan B, I chose not to take the hormonal therapy. My ER was moderately positive (after the first lumpectomy) and higher in the subsequent smaller re-excision. The PR was negative. I chose not to do the hormonals because I didn't want to chance the side effects. I am very physically active, but also have arthritis, which would likely flair up if I took the hormonals. I was recommended to take aromatase inhibitors. Anyway, so far so good. I'm happy with my decision (and 3 1/2 years out from original diagnosis).

    I should add that the surveillance I am getting (follow-up imaging) is no way as intensive as yours (annual 2D mammos and no MRI's--at one of the premier cancer centers in the US).

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  • PlanB58
    PlanB58 Member Posts: 157
    edited April 2016

    Thank you for the response. That is exactly where I am. I am active and do have some arthritis and worry about the effects! Not to mention just getting through menopause!

    Due to family history I requested the MRI. I was referred to surgical oncologist who approved it. Who would have thought they would find something the first time! I know I am very fortunate to have it found now. The treatment decisions worry me more at this point than the cancer! At least that is out

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