Atypia....future risk

[madgeOwens]

I had a Lumpectomy (results being atypia hyperplasia) and my surgeon said to think about talking to an Oncologist regarding drugs ie tamoxifin to lower risk of cancer. My question is this, if I continue to be checked 6 months or yearly with mammograms will that be enough to protect myself from invasive cancer?   I mean, its not like I will go back for checkups and find I have invasie cancer right off the bat. Won't there be a staging process so that I will always get it early or am I just wishful thinking in my decision to not take drugs?

[madgeOwens]

That was suppore to say two cents not cwnts...that looks bead hahaha
Yes I never hurt so bad then when they stuck me with out numbing me first, that was bad.
I don't know what I will do, I think nothing LOL.

[nannotnancy]

My wires were far by the most pain I've experienced so far!  Numbing was done but I guess not enough.  I had to leave that facility and go to another for my surgery that day, so I wasn't in the best mood from not eating, and freaking out in general.  If it comes up  again, I'll insist on more numbing.  

[braveheart2]

I don't go back for 12 months, so will be interested to know what they tell you on your visit! Part of me is glad, as I feel that I've had enough X-ray radiation in that breast for the time being...but part of me is scared that I'm not doing everything I can to be proactive for my future health.

Yes, they did numb me with a little Lidocaine for the wire insertion. It really wasn't any more painful than the stereotactic core needle biopsy -- I am so sorry to know that your procedure was so painful! It's hard enough to sit still while they're inserting needles and wires with all the anxiety, let alone to not be numb for it. Keep me posted on your progress and decisions! I'll be thinking of you.

[madgeOwens]

I am still in discussion on this topic, so I was hoping a doctor would put their two cwnts in also.  I go back in 6 months.  
Did they numb you for the wire insertion? They did not numb me and I am still not over that one.  
I still don't know what to think about the atypia and tamoxifen.  I don't feel the risk is enough to make me take something with bad side effects, to make it worth it.

[braveheart2]

Hi Madge,

I am wondering the same thing myself, having had a wire-guided excisional biopsy after the stereotactic core needle biopsy for atypia. In my case, the surgeon told me that all I need right now is 12 month follow-up mammograms, and has not discussed the fact that my risk is increased or that I might consider tamoxifen to reduce my risk -- he seems to think that if the atypia progresses to DCIS or invasive cancer, it will do so slowly so is not of great concern.
Does anyone else out there have experience with this issue?