Member Since: August 2, 2008
Last Login: August 10, 2008
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Recent Posts by mimi2four
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ), Created: Aug 4, 2008 08:25 am
I am 67 and just diagnosed with LCIS...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 |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ), Created: Aug 2, 2008 10:31 pm
I am 67 and just diagnosed with LCIS...Thank you, Lydia, for your response! I have really gotten a lot of good information from reading this site. It has been most helpful to read what other women have gone and are going through with the same diagnosis. Like you, I am searching for the right answer. This coming week, I have an appointment at Duke University with a plastic surgeon to discuss my options in case I decide on the double mastectomies. My Mother died at 59 after being ill for 12 years with 3 different primary sites of cancer, but not cancer of the breast that I am aware of. My feeling right now is that I can better withstand surgery and reconstruction NOW than I can stand all that will be required is I am diagnosed with invasive cancer a few years from now. Good luck to you, also, Lydia ! I appreciate your sharing your story with me and others. Mary |
Posted in:
Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis + LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ), Created: Aug 2, 2008 06:27 pm
I am 67 and just diagnosed with LCIS...I am 67 years old and diagnosed with LCIS about a month ago. Mine was a "lucky find" by pathology following sterotactic biopsy after a concentration of mircocalcifications were seen in a couple of places in my right breast. I have talked with an oncologist and with my surgeon. Both give me the same 3 options: 1. Watch and wait with mammograms every 12 months (hoping that if a cancer becomes invasive , it will be early and treatable.) 2. Same as #1 , but add Tamoxifin or Evista . ...or 3. Double Mastectomy. Is anyone else here my age? I am not comfortable with the "wait and watch" option. I don't like what I hear and read about the side effects of most of the meds. I am in reasonably good health and feel I can tolerate bilateral mastectomy. I am looking into exactly what kinds of reconstruction would be best for me if I choose Option #3. Can I hear from someone out there who has faced LCIS at my age? What did you do ? How long ago were you diagnosed? Thanks for your thoughts! Mary |
