L Breast Stereotactic ALH and Radial Scar

Hello All:  I am going for a consult next week and then a surgical biopsy of two sites found on my stereotactic biopsy this week (left breast).

I am making myself nuts since my maternal hx of bc is pretty significant, first cousin had DCIS, she had a double mast. and reconstruction..Tram. Her mother my maternal aunt had bc, mastectomies, and resconstruction, my maternal grandmother-her mother had the same without reconstruction post menopausal.  My mom died in 1971 from "renal" carcinoma and we all now wonder if it originated in her breast-I was 4 at the time.

My guess or suspicion is that they'll find me to have LCIS as one site is the ALH and the other is a Radial Scar.  Both were spotted on the digital mammo with clusters of microcals.

I am already thinking prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction.  I am 41 in good health, 2 kids under age 6 and pretty physically fit.

Am I being too morose in thinking mastectomies without the surgical biopsy already completed of the two areas?  I just can't deal with the "watch" and wait.

Please weigh in.

Thanks!!~


This discussion is related to Is Bilateral Mastectomy appropriate for DCIS/LCIS/ADH.

[christine41twokiddos]

Also, my great-grandmother (maternal) died of breast cancer.

[healingwell62]

Hi!

I'm 45 with two teenagers.  I had two different cancers, one in each breast.  My cancers were found with MRI and ultrasound, not a lump, or anything like that.  I had a L modified mastectomy and a R lumpectomy.  I'm half way through chemo, and had genetic testing.  My genetic testing came back as positive for BRCA2 gene.  So, I will be having an oopherectomy and right simple mastectomy when I'm done with chemo, with reconstruction next year, after radiation is completed.  If I had had the genetic information before my initial surgeries, I would have elected for the double mastectomy right away (obviously!)  I made the best decision I could with the infomation I had at the time.  I think a lot of the decision making has to do with your tolerance of risk.  I personally want to get this period of my life over with and never look back.  I don't want to have to do any of this again, so I'll sacrifice body parts to increase my odds of wellness from here on out.  Just my two cents and experience.  Keep in touch!

Chris

[Dr Santos]

How are you? It's always good to be vigilant with our health. There are studies that show  association of atypical ductal hyperplasia, radial scar and carcinoma. http://radiographics.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/19/suppl_1/S27
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/E4CAA.htm

It is best to discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment option with your doctor to guide you in your decision. Take care and keep us posted.

[outnumbered]

I am on the same page as many who have posted.  I am still waiting for all my results.  All I know for sure is I have DCIS with focal invasion.  I am not making any treatment decisions until I have the BRCA tests and all other testing and pathology.  What I do know for sure is I cannot get cancer on something I do not have....I also do not want to spend the rest of my life wonderering when a recurrence will happen.  I know in my heart where I am leaning, however, I plan on making an informed decision when the time comes.  I am not well read on the risk/benefit of everything yet, but I will be.  
Best Wishes,
Sara

[Dr Santos]

How are you? I agree that genetic testing information will help with the health care decisions part. If you need a second opinion on your mammogram, your pathology, your treatment plan, do so if it provides you with a sense of peace about which treatment is best for you. It is important to get a doctor you trust, one who cares, pays attention, knows breast cancer very well, and one with whom you can communicate.
This link may be of help: http://www.dcis.info/dcis.html
Take care and All the best on your test results.