Anyone at high risk of recurrence..

Hi Nancy, I wish you well with your treatment. I was diagnosed with DCIS 4 yrs ago, 2 lumpectomies & radiation. I was really uncomfortable with the side effects of Tamoxifen,one of them being a risk of uterine cancer, which my mother had. I don't know, I guess I am just really nervous having Atypical cells show up on another biopsy in the same breast, instead of waiting and watching & trying to put it off by taking something, i am thinking that a mastectomy would put an end to all the speculation & worry.I guess it will all come down to what the surgeon is thinking when I see him in 2 weeks.I will check back here to let you know what we decide, Thanks, take care, Jackie

scared4myaunt, First of all, prayers for your Aunt right now, I hope it turns out that she doesn't have it again. I think once you are diagnosed, no one is really "cured" from it. They are just put into a remission, where there is no sign of the disease.It can show up at any time, any where, after having treatment for it, this is called recurrence.What kind of treatment did she have the first time? Would she talk to you if you voiced to her your concern?She might be able to explain things more clearly to you.Either way, I hope it all works out for her,take care, Jackie

Thank you for clearing that up Beth, you are totally correct. Jackie

Hi Jackie, I too had atypical hyperplasia in my right breast in 2002(which technically is precancer). That was the 2nd time I had been biopsied. By 2005, my "suspicious microcalcification" turned out to be Stage 1 breast cancer with microinvasion. I decided on a double mastectomy and have never regretted my decision. I also am an OB-GYN nurse and have seen too many women with reocurrences. This is a very individual and personal choice we all have to make and live with. I can say my only regret is being undecisive at the time of my surgery as to whether I wanted immediate reconstruction or not. Knowing what I know now, and what I went through 6 months later to have the expander put in, I would definitely recommend women to have the tissue expander put in right after the mastectomy.

Thanks for the information. That is good news. Prior to my breast surgery, I signed (tons of paperwork) to have my tumor donated? for research, etc. My surgeon is associated w/Moffit, in Tampa, FL where they have a program that you can "donate" your tumor for research and your kept in an info. bank. If they come up with trials, etc that might fit your profile, you are then contacted by the person who signed you up. All info. is protected by privacy laws. Glad to see that this is all progressing in a promising way.

rsinkey, I have my surgery scheduled for March 15th.I met with a really great plastic surgeon, and we will do a bi-lateral, with expander to the right side(unaffected side) with implant, and a lat. flap with expander to the left(Previously radiated)with implant.He said this would be the best way to go,and that everything would look great in the end.So it looks like we will both be headed in the OR in March.Can I ask you why did you have to wait from July to April for the exchange?Is it because you had to undergo further treatment? I appreciate so much having someone to talk to about all this, sure makes it alot easier.Thanks again, Jackie