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Pathology report-approaching dcis
Hi,
My doctory just called me with the results of my biopsy. The report says APPROACHING the lowest grade of dcis. I asked my doctor if this means benign or malignant, and he said inbetween. I asked my doctor if I need a lumpectomy or a mastectomy and he said he doesn't know, and referred me to an oncologist. The report also says atypical ductal hyperplasia. Has anyone had the same result from a biopsy report ? Does anyone know if my findings will require surgery?
My doctory just called me with the results of my biopsy. The report says APPROACHING the lowest grade of dcis. I asked my doctor if this means benign or malignant, and he said inbetween. I asked my doctor if I need a lumpectomy or a mastectomy and he said he doesn't know, and referred me to an oncologist. The report also says atypical ductal hyperplasia. Has anyone had the same result from a biopsy report ? Does anyone know if my findings will require surgery?
I believe the darkening is normal, kind of like a suntan.
Blisters or burns are also common, but more painful, so some kind of radiation cream or gel is recommended. I haven't had any personal experience, so I can't say what might be best. The radiation oncology nurses/techs probably get the most feedback from pts, so you might ask them.
Glad you've gotten started, because you are that much closer to finishing! :-)
bb
Blisters or burns are also common, but more painful, so some kind of radiation cream or gel is recommended. I haven't had any personal experience, so I can't say what might be best. The radiation oncology nurses/techs probably get the most feedback from pts, so you might ask them.
Glad you've gotten started, because you are that much closer to finishing! :-)
bb
Hi Butterfly,
I hope you enjoyed your vacation. Thank you for the link to the article regarding fat transfer. I had my 4th radiation treatment yesterday. Yesterday I noticed that my skin is starting to look darker. I am going to have 11 more regular treatments, and one week of boosts. Yesterday my RO ld me that the average person gets 1.8 radiation, and I am having 2.8. So I am getting a stronger dose of radiation in less days. I sked him how this would affect side effects, and he said I will do better. I am very concerned, because my skin is starting to look darker after only 4 treatments. Which creams for radiation do you think are best?
I hope you enjoyed your vacation. Thank you for the link to the article regarding fat transfer. I had my 4th radiation treatment yesterday. Yesterday I noticed that my skin is starting to look darker. I am going to have 11 more regular treatments, and one week of boosts. Yesterday my RO ld me that the average person gets 1.8 radiation, and I am having 2.8. So I am getting a stronger dose of radiation in less days. I sked him how this would affect side effects, and he said I will do better. I am very concerned, because my skin is starting to look darker after only 4 treatments. Which creams for radiation do you think are best?
Hi Kate,
You are most welcome. Have you started rads yet?
I missed some of your earlier posts while I was on vaction. Here is a link to an article posted in Feb. 2011 regarding fat transfer for breast reconstruction:
http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=14014920
bb
You are most welcome. Have you started rads yet?
I missed some of your earlier posts while I was on vaction. Here is a link to an article posted in Feb. 2011 regarding fat transfer for breast reconstruction:
http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=14014920
bb
p.s. If you decide to use aloe vera, look for a brand that is as close to pure aloe vera as possible. Some formulas have other ingredients which may be irritating to the skin.
For example, some contain Vitamin E oil, which many people use to treat burns, sunburn, etc., but others may experience an allergic reaction to it which may be worse than the original problem.
bb
For example, some contain Vitamin E oil, which many people use to treat burns, sunburn, etc., but others may experience an allergic reaction to it which may be worse than the original problem.
bb
Other members have recommended: Biafine (which may also be too expensive), Vigilon (a patch to put on an area where a burn is starting to appear, also expensive), Oat Beta Glucan ("ordered by CVS pharmacist, about $50 per tube, but well worth it"), Radioplex (a prescription gel) and My Girls' Radiation Cream ("all natural ingredients")--no cost info on the latter two.
bb
bb
Here are a couple of ideas:
In an old thread, Sue Young55 made these comments: "There is no reason to go around with burns like that. Ask your doctor to prescribe Silver Sulfadiazine. The very minute your radiation is complete each day, apply it liberally to your burns. Slather it on!! But, before you go for your radiation the next day, make sure you are crystal clean and have no residue on you. It works like a dream! Remember to keep applying it until the burning stops in a week or so after radiation, or maybe sooner."
zouzi shared this information: "Healingwell advised me to apply Aloe Vera after each session. My oncologist didn't like that very much and would tell you not to apply anything! But I did. I made sure that before each session, that I showered and made sure that the breast was completely clean. The markings don't disappear and if they fade, the nurses keep remarking again. After my 15th session my skin started to suntan and become a little itchy, but the Aloe Vera and later Aveeno baby cream helped a great deal! My sister, on the other hand, had burns on her skin because she had 36 sessions, and never used any cream at all."
You should, of course, run any of this you might want to try by your radiation oncologist.
Hope you get through it without much problem,
bb
In an old thread, Sue Young55 made these comments: "There is no reason to go around with burns like that. Ask your doctor to prescribe Silver Sulfadiazine. The very minute your radiation is complete each day, apply it liberally to your burns. Slather it on!! But, before you go for your radiation the next day, make sure you are crystal clean and have no residue on you. It works like a dream! Remember to keep applying it until the burning stops in a week or so after radiation, or maybe sooner."
zouzi shared this information: "Healingwell advised me to apply Aloe Vera after each session. My oncologist didn't like that very much and would tell you not to apply anything! But I did. I made sure that before each session, that I showered and made sure that the breast was completely clean. The markings don't disappear and if they fade, the nurses keep remarking again. After my 15th session my skin started to suntan and become a little itchy, but the Aloe Vera and later Aveeno baby cream helped a great deal! My sister, on the other hand, had burns on her skin because she had 36 sessions, and never used any cream at all."
You should, of course, run any of this you might want to try by your radiation oncologist.
Hope you get through it without much problem,
bb
Hi Ladies,
Since Miaderm cream for radiation is so expensive do you know of a good generic?
Since Miaderm cream for radiation is so expensive do you know of a good generic?
Hi, Kate,
I 'm glad to hear you've found something positive in your situation, and like bb, I wish you all the best. I hope the radiation goes smoothly and the reconstruction does, too, so at least something good will come out of this long journey.
Take care,
nc
I 'm glad to hear you've found something positive in your situation, and like bb, I wish you all the best. I hope the radiation goes smoothly and the reconstruction does, too, so at least something good will come out of this long journey.
Take care,
nc
I guess every cloud really does have a silver lining!
I'm glad to hear things are looking up for you.
Regards,
bb
I'm glad to hear things are looking up for you.
Regards,
bb
Hi ncmichigan and butterfly2222,
After all that I have been through I am finally going to get a prize. I went to see a plastic surgeon today, and 1 month after my radiation is completed I am going to have implants for both breast and breast lifts. I start radiation next week. Again thanks so much for your support!
After all that I have been through I am finally going to get a prize. I went to see a plastic surgeon today, and 1 month after my radiation is completed I am going to have implants for both breast and breast lifts. I start radiation next week. Again thanks so much for your support!
Hi Ncmichigan,
My doctor has mentioned starting with Femara. I am taking a bone density test today to see if osteoporosis is a problem. The side effect I am concerned about is hair loss or hair thinning. Di you know women who have experienced that as a side effect from taking ht? The reason I am concerned is that I once had Telogen Effluvium and it causes hair thinning, and I don't want to go through that again. My doctor's did not mention the onco DX test. They probably did not mention it, because they said that I do not require chemo. I will ask my medical oncologist about it. I am going to see a plastic surgeon today, and I am looking forward to getting started with that part of my treatment. As always you have been very helpful. Thank You
My doctor has mentioned starting with Femara. I am taking a bone density test today to see if osteoporosis is a problem. The side effect I am concerned about is hair loss or hair thinning. Di you know women who have experienced that as a side effect from taking ht? The reason I am concerned is that I once had Telogen Effluvium and it causes hair thinning, and I don't want to go through that again. My doctor's did not mention the onco DX test. They probably did not mention it, because they said that I do not require chemo. I will ask my medical oncologist about it. I am going to see a plastic surgeon today, and I am looking forward to getting started with that part of my treatment. As always you have been very helpful. Thank You
Hi, Kate,
From what I've read tamoxifen is used more often to prevent recurrence of DCIS and the AIs (aromatase inhibitors) are used more often for preventing recurrence of IDC. You'd have to ask your doctor's if one or the other is best for both. However, I did read that Arimidex seemed to do slightly better at prevention than Femara but Femara had fewer side effects. There's also Aromacin, but I'm not sure if that's another option for you. Did any of your doctors mention the Oncotype DX test? It's supposed to give them an idea of what your risk of recurrence might be. I know it's helpful in determining if chemo is necessary or not, but I'm not sure if it's helpful in determining which drug is best. It may be something to ask your doctors about at least. I hope this is helpful to you and doesn't just confuse the issue even more.
I'm sure you'll find a good plastic surgeon and good luck with that part of your treatment.
Take care,
nc
From what I've read tamoxifen is used more often to prevent recurrence of DCIS and the AIs (aromatase inhibitors) are used more often for preventing recurrence of IDC. You'd have to ask your doctor's if one or the other is best for both. However, I did read that Arimidex seemed to do slightly better at prevention than Femara but Femara had fewer side effects. There's also Aromacin, but I'm not sure if that's another option for you. Did any of your doctors mention the Oncotype DX test? It's supposed to give them an idea of what your risk of recurrence might be. I know it's helpful in determining if chemo is necessary or not, but I'm not sure if it's helpful in determining which drug is best. It may be something to ask your doctors about at least. I hope this is helpful to you and doesn't just confuse the issue even more.
I'm sure you'll find a good plastic surgeon and good luck with that part of your treatment.
Take care,
nc
Hi Ncmichigan,
You bring up a good point regarding ht could possibly prevent a recurrence of dcis. I need to find out if my medical ocologist was basing his decision on my idc tumor or if he was basing it on my dcis. I am going to see my surgeon tomorrow, and get his opinion of whether he thinks I require ht. You mentioned that some women have little or no side effects. My doctor said that armidex or femora have less side effects than tamoxifen. Do you know which of the two armidex or femora has the least side effects?
Thank you so much for the info regarding breast reconstruction. I will study it. Also, when I see my surgeon tomorrow I will see what he recommends and which plastic surgeon he recommends. You and butterfly have been a blessing for me. In my hour of darkness you were both there to help, and I can't thank you enough!
You bring up a good point regarding ht could possibly prevent a recurrence of dcis. I need to find out if my medical ocologist was basing his decision on my idc tumor or if he was basing it on my dcis. I am going to see my surgeon tomorrow, and get his opinion of whether he thinks I require ht. You mentioned that some women have little or no side effects. My doctor said that armidex or femora have less side effects than tamoxifen. Do you know which of the two armidex or femora has the least side effects?
Thank you so much for the info regarding breast reconstruction. I will study it. Also, when I see my surgeon tomorrow I will see what he recommends and which plastic surgeon he recommends. You and butterfly have been a blessing for me. In my hour of darkness you were both there to help, and I can't thank you enough!
First of all, let me say how happy I am to hear your good news about your path report! I know you must be really relieved and I'm happy that bb and I were able to provide you support---that's what we're here for.
I'm not sure, but it sounds like you're refusing anti-hormonal therapy because one doctor says you don't need it. Are there other reasons for refusing? If not, what does your breast surgeon suggest? If two out of three docs recommend it, I'd certainly consider it. I know
there are side effects to consider, but some women have very little if any side effects. it seems to me that it's at least worth a try if it means preventing a recurrence of your DCIS.
If the side effects are severe you could always stop, but it would certainly be worth a try at least. You might want to consider a second opinion on it from another radiation oncologist and make a decision based on all the opinion.
I just read something today on WebMD re: fat injections after breast cancer.I tried to copy the we site info here but couldn't. Here's the article title and if you type it in at WebMD, I'm sure it'll come up:Fat Injections: Safe for Breast Reconstruction After Cancer?
Study Suggests Technique Known as 'Lipofilling' Has Low Complication Rate
It sounds like it's relatively new and mostly done in Europe. I'd discuss it with your plastic surgeon to see if it's even available and an option for you. If not, I I would think he/she would be your best source for all possible options and the pros and cons of each. From what I have read here, the cosmetic results are much better with your own fat/tissue, but it isn't always possible for all women. If it were me, I'd research it and check it all out and then go with the recommended option that has the best possible results with the least risk of complications. Just carefully review it all before deciding which direction to take. Sue Young has some great info on reconstruction and I hope she'll also fill you in on it.
Of course I wish you all the best in making your decision and hope it all works out for you.
nc
I'm not sure, but it sounds like you're refusing anti-hormonal therapy because one doctor says you don't need it. Are there other reasons for refusing? If not, what does your breast surgeon suggest? If two out of three docs recommend it, I'd certainly consider it. I know
there are side effects to consider, but some women have very little if any side effects. it seems to me that it's at least worth a try if it means preventing a recurrence of your DCIS.
If the side effects are severe you could always stop, but it would certainly be worth a try at least. You might want to consider a second opinion on it from another radiation oncologist and make a decision based on all the opinion.
I just read something today on WebMD re: fat injections after breast cancer.I tried to copy the we site info here but couldn't. Here's the article title and if you type it in at WebMD, I'm sure it'll come up:Fat Injections: Safe for Breast Reconstruction After Cancer?
Study Suggests Technique Known as 'Lipofilling' Has Low Complication Rate
It sounds like it's relatively new and mostly done in Europe. I'd discuss it with your plastic surgeon to see if it's even available and an option for you. If not, I I would think he/she would be your best source for all possible options and the pros and cons of each. From what I have read here, the cosmetic results are much better with your own fat/tissue, but it isn't always possible for all women. If it were me, I'd research it and check it all out and then go with the recommended option that has the best possible results with the least risk of complications. Just carefully review it all before deciding which direction to take. Sue Young has some great info on reconstruction and I hope she'll also fill you in on it.
Of course I wish you all the best in making your decision and hope it all works out for you.
nc
Hi Ncmichigan and Butterfly2222
I am considering to refuse to do hormonal therapy. My medical oncologist wants me to do it. My radiation oncologist said it is not necessary in my case. I know that I am er and pr positive. What I don't know is the percentage of how positive I am. Would the percentage make a difference in me requiring ht? I checked nccn and it said with a tumor less than .05 cm., grade 1, and no lymph node involvement I might not require it. Also, after 2 lumpectomy's I will require plastic surgery. Do you know if fat grafting or an augmentation with implants would be best?
I am considering to refuse to do hormonal therapy. My medical oncologist wants me to do it. My radiation oncologist said it is not necessary in my case. I know that I am er and pr positive. What I don't know is the percentage of how positive I am. Would the percentage make a difference in me requiring ht? I checked nccn and it said with a tumor less than .05 cm., grade 1, and no lymph node involvement I might not require it. Also, after 2 lumpectomy's I will require plastic surgery. Do you know if fat grafting or an augmentation with implants would be best?
Thank you so much. Your support has meant everything to me. While I was totally consumed with fear, you told me to be positive, and with your help I tried. I can't thank you enough, and I wish you the best that life has to offer. In my hour of darkness you and ncmichigan were there to ease my fears. Thank you!!!
Wonderful news!
You've gone through a lot to get to this point, but now you know your prognosis is very good.
I hope everything goes well for you from here on out.
Wishing you all the best,
bluebutterbly
You've gone through a lot to get to this point, but now you know your prognosis is very good.
I hope everything goes well for you from here on out.
Wishing you all the best,
bluebutterbly
Hi nc and butterfly, I thank you both so much for your intelligent advice, and I have great news to tell you. I just came home from an appointment with my surgeon, My nodes are definitely clear, my margins are clear, and I am a stage 1. Thank God. I can't thank you both enough for your support. I will need to do radiation and possibly hormonal therapy, but I feel so blessed to just be stage one.
Hi, Kate,
It's good to hear the surgery went well and the snb was negative. It's good to hear that the MRI shadow isn't something to worry about, also. I'm sure they'll keep a close watch on that area. The pain you're experiencing sounds normal following your surgery. I'm a retired nurse and even if you hate pain meds, I'd definitely recommend you take them as prescribed, at least for a day or two. You can cut back a little if they knock you out too much, but if the pain isn't relieved you really need to take the dose prescribed. It will help the blood pressure for sure. Also, the only way your doctor will know if the pain is normal or not is if it's NOT relieved with the usual pain meds. If it's not, then you need to follow up with the surgeon to determine why not.
I'm hoping for a good path report and speedy recovery.
Hugs,
nc
It's good to hear the surgery went well and the snb was negative. It's good to hear that the MRI shadow isn't something to worry about, also. I'm sure they'll keep a close watch on that area. The pain you're experiencing sounds normal following your surgery. I'm a retired nurse and even if you hate pain meds, I'd definitely recommend you take them as prescribed, at least for a day or two. You can cut back a little if they knock you out too much, but if the pain isn't relieved you really need to take the dose prescribed. It will help the blood pressure for sure. Also, the only way your doctor will know if the pain is normal or not is if it's NOT relieved with the usual pain meds. If it's not, then you need to follow up with the surgeon to determine why not.
I'm hoping for a good path report and speedy recovery.
Hugs,
nc
Hi Butterfly,
Thank you again for your support. I will post again when I get my path report. I am a little sore now under my arm, but I guess that is to be expected. I am also feeling some slight nerve shocks in my breast area too, but I guess that is to be expected also.I hate to take pain meds, but my doctor forced me to take a pain med in recovery yesterday, because my blood pressure skyrocketed to 190. He said it was so high, because of the pain. Today with the discomfort I have I am not taking any pain meds, and I hope that is ok for my blood pressure.
Thank you again for your support. I will post again when I get my path report. I am a little sore now under my arm, but I guess that is to be expected. I am also feeling some slight nerve shocks in my breast area too, but I guess that is to be expected also.I hate to take pain meds, but my doctor forced me to take a pain med in recovery yesterday, because my blood pressure skyrocketed to 190. He said it was so high, because of the pain. Today with the discomfort I have I am not taking any pain meds, and I hope that is ok for my blood pressure.
Glad you are doing okay following your surgery, and that the news so far is good.
Keeping my fingers crossed in regard to your final path report!
bb
Keeping my fingers crossed in regard to your final path report!
bb
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