Topic: I am 67 and just diagnosed with LCIS...

Hi Mary,

I will be 60 in December and was diagnosed with LCIS almost four years ago. So far, I have not been diagnosed with breast cancer. Initially, a mammo showed calcifications, and later an MRI showed two "enhanced" areas of concern. I have had three excisional biopsies. It has been very stressful. My breasts are very scarred, and according to the surgeon, there is a lot of "junk" in them. Although I am taking Evista, this could go on and on....Both my mother and grandmother had breast cancer later in life, and I don't want to wait until I have cancer to be proactive given these various issues.

After the last biopsy, my surgeon suggested skin sparing mastectomies, and I am seriously considering doing this. I am now in the process of researching my options. It is very complicated because there are so may different types of reconstruction. I am leaning towards a one step procedure which may require Alloderm. My next appointment is in October. If there are problems with this MRI, I want to be prepared to immediately go ahead with the mastectomies. 

Good luck in your journey. It is not easy, but the support and information on this site in fantastic.

 Lydia

Hi Mary! Welcome to the LCIS forum!  I'm sorry you got diagnosed with LCIS, but I'm glad you found us.

Since LCIS is rarely visible on palpation, mammograms, or ultrasounds, almost everyone finds out they have LCIS due to a biopsy, where LCIS is found as in incidental finding.

There is not a lot of solid information about LCIS since it is uncommon.  

Do the amount of research you need to do, then make your decision.

Most of the information I can find is that the raw, overall risk for a person getting breast cancer (I am including DCIS in this category) is about 0.5-1% per year.  So if you expect to live to age 85, which is about the norm expected for the average woman in the US, if you act like the average person in the population, your risk might be 12-25% lifetime risk from LCIS.

As far as I know, there is no information whether or not other risk factors add to this figure.  For example, if you have several first degree relatives with breast cancer, particularly if premenopausal, I don't think they know whether or not this increases your breast cancer risk beyond the 12-25% lifetime risk figure.  

I have a lot of scarring too.  I went to an NCI center, and was told I had too much scar tissue to have a screening MRI, and they highly discouraged me from having BPMs either.  I had a lot of trouble with this NCI consult.

You may want to also check out the reconstruction forums for more info about reconstruction. 

I am 54 and was diagnosed at age 51.  I have seen some papers that opine the 'mean age' for diagnosis of LCIS and nothing worse is about the late 40s or early 50s.

There is no best decision for everyone. There is only the best decision for YOU, which is YOUR choice. Some people feel their breasts are 'ticking time bombs' and BPMs are a relief.

I have heard other people who really liked Duke for their LCIS care. 

Thank you, leaf, corgigirl, and Lydia for your responses. This forum is wonderful...the opportunity to talk with others facing the similar challenges is helpful.

I have an appointment tomorrow at Duke University Clinic with Dr. Zenn, a plasic surgeon, with whom I will discuss the many options for PBM and reconstruction.  I had colon surgery at Duke about 5 years ago (not cancer, but removal of sigmoid colon because of acute attacks of diverticulitis); therefore, I have a scar that is about 3 inches long in the middle of my abdomen.  I am hoping to hear that if I choose this option, I can have the PBM and reconstruction at the same time.  Right now, I am leaning toward the DIEP (perforator flap) reconstruction (if possible for me).  I am not totally opposed to implants, but have heard a lot of stories of the pain of expanders, the length of time it takes to complete the procedure, contracture problems, etc.   Also, I am concerned at my age if I take the "wait and watch" option, ....by the time an invasive situation exists, I will be even older and less able to withstand treatment options. 

Lots of questions...no concrete answers...the problem facing all of us.  I will continue to research, listen and learn about all my options and then make a decision based on all the information I can gather. 

I wish all of you continued good health.

Mary

Mary - I am 54 years old and was just dx'd w/ LCIS today. As w/ most women, my LCIS was found incidental to a bx due to findings on MRI and mammogram. My surgeon suggests that I talk to an oncologist, take tamoxifillin, have annual MRIs and annuals mammograms and get a check-up regularly. I am still a little out of sorts from this dx. I figure it is certainly better than invasive BC, but I am not sure where it is going to take me. The increased risk of endometrial cancer and increase in hot flashes w/ tamo. has me concerned. I am already at risk of endometrial cancer due to numerous polyps in the past. I am also having a hard time finding other folks dealing with this dx. I was glad to find your posts. Feel free to explain anything you want. Good luck w/ your mastectomy decision. - Jean