Topic: Just dx'd and considering options

I understand how you feel, I am so thankful that you have Insitu, I too have dense breast and they are very difficult to examine, almost don't want to examine because you are always feeling something different.

I am trying to figure out why your doctor is wanting you to be on tamoxifen, are you premenopausal? It sounds like you have been through HOt flashes...the treatment for BC is more precise and helpful now adays, but while you are making your decision, know that many BC gals go thru with all their doctors reccommendations and some do not.

I too have a strong Family history...

My sister had invasive and has been in remission for 9 years and refused the hormonals even though she was strongly er/pr+.  My cousin couldn't complete chemo either and has been in remission for many more years than my sister. She was very quiet about her BC and didn't tell many family members.

I have weighed the use of tamoxifen quite a bit, It really only helps my BC recurrence by a small percentage, so after much consideration I have decided to use it for at least 3 months, and based on lab work and menstrual symptoms to decide from there....I am taking CoQ10 to hopefully help with side effects.

One thing that helped my sister to decide about a mastectomy was that her doctor told her that if the cancer is going to come back and has no breast tissue to grow in then it goes to the lungs or other places. and that the breast was a better place to have it come back. My surgeon didn't totally agree when I shared this with him and when I mentioned my sister doctors name, his face lit up, because he knew and seemed to respect this doctor. Having a mastectomy or lumpectomy has no guarantees when you consider recurrence.

I had invasive DC, and had the partial mastectomy with radiation, my oncotype score was so low that chemo was not needed, while going thru radiation, I wished that I had had the mastectomy. the pain and swelling of my BC breast, and also fear of the side effects of radiation were overwhelming, now 2 months later I am glad I kept my breast.

So, it is a very emotional decision. My husband was and is very supportive in helping me make decisions. My faith has been my strength as well.

One thing for sure is that you will be closely monitored. I examine my breast daily now, especially after reading about Susan Weed, and her recommeded breast health. I limit time that I wear a bra as much as possible, I do find odd lumps now and then and I do have pain and swelling from surgery and radiation therapy, but I see my onc every 3 months and he will examine me and keep a close Eye on things as well.

LCIS is tricky, but I think having IS give you good options, and that you are 54 I think is good. I am 43 and my sister was 32 on dx.

HOw lage or small was you LCIS? and how were your hormone receptors?

Good luck on your decision and remember that you don't have to rush on any decision, research all your questions and ask a multitude of questions, I think it is wonderful when you are able to have time to read up on issues before you go to your oncologist.

God Bless,

Amber