Just Diagnosed and Weighing My Options

Hi DJay,

Yes, I agonized over having chemotherapy because the MO recommended it but said it was my choice. I had the oncotype test which I scored a 27 out of 100 so I wasn't quite in the middle but not at the lowest end either. My MO said having chemo would give me a few percent lower risk. I had a lumpectomy to remove a rather large lump (3.6 cm) which kind of popped up overnight so I was worried. I didn't want chemo because of the hair loss and the other side effects but I had my first treatment on Friday and it wasn't too bad.

I'd say think about it, talk about it with others, and do what your heart tells you. I went back and forth for awhile but now I feel I made the right decision. If the cancer comes back later, then I can say that I did all I could.

Good luck to you.

My BS is recommending BMX for my LCIS, ADH, and ILC on the left and LCIS on the right because my MRI lit up like a Christmas tree. Too many areas of enhancement to count. She has told me I cannot be monitored. I'm getting a second opinion but it will probably concur with the first. If your docs feel they can monitor you, lumpectomy might be a good option.

Hi DJay,

First off I'm am sorry to hear of your diagnosis but you will get thru it! I was also offered the lumpectomy route & I asked each of the doctors if it were them or their daughter what route would they take. I also had dense breast tissue & was offered treatment 1st then lumpectomy to remove it. However, I was found to have Chek2 mutation... My breast surgeon was VERY HONEST ( he's been in the business a long time) and said, if you do the lumpectomy because of your mutation you will get it again. No telling when but it will happen...that was it I said bi-lateral masectomy it is, because I refuse to go thru this again if I can help it. The day of my surgery they found 2 smaller tumors less than 1mm that wasn't even detected on my PEM scan, so I was very happy I decided to remove both & go with reconstructive. I didn't have a family history (which is crazy) but the mutation was what put me over the edge. If you don't have the mutation it is a tough call because if the history in your family. At the end if the day it was about the quality of life I was going to have...this summer was tough but I wouldn't change it for the world, one bad summer is better than having it reoccur multiple times. I spoke to a woman who had it 3 times ( yes 3) before having a BMX... There was no way I was letting that happen.

I recommend a second opinion from another hospital, and go from there. Know we are all behind you& support your decision, it's not about anyone else. Hugs to you

Ware, yes my lefty also turned out to have pre-cancerous stuff going on. ILC is, unfortunately really sneaky and can evade all manner of detection methods. Not having the boobs gives me a degree of peace of mind, and having a flat, smooth chest makes it easier to notice any changes.