Absolutely furious!

Josie21 said:

Hi

I am so sorry you have to deal with cancer again.   Three years before I had invasive lobular carcinoma I had DCIS in the opposite breast.  At no time did they discuss chemo with me.  What did they tell you at the time?  Please let us know.  I will add you to my prayer list.  

Sending hugs your way,

Ginny

I just went on another site and asked if any women had chemo with DCIS and there were many women who did.  They said they received chemo because of the size and aggressiveness of the tumor.  I hope your oncologist explains why they did chemo next time you go.  I had no idea chemo helped DCIS.  

More hugs,

Ginny

were any nodes involved?

Talk with your oncologist.  Was your DCIS an aggressive type? If you are not getting clear answers, get a second opinion.  I have gotten quite a few along my journey just to better understand my cancer and to make sure no stone is left unturned.

"If the DCIS is large, high-grade, and comedo type, for example, it is likely to be more aggressive, and your doctor may recommend more extensive treatment. The same holds true if you are under age 40, since younger age may increase the risk of recurrence".

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/dcis/treatment

CypressCynthia said:

Talk with your oncologist. 

Talk with your oncologist.  Was your DCIS an aggressive type? If you are not getting clear answers, get a second opinion.  I have gotten quite a few along my journey just to better understand my cancer and to make sure no stone is left unturned.

"If the DCIS is large, high-grade, and comedo type, for example, it is likely to be more aggressive, and your doctor may recommend more extensive treatment. The same holds true if you are under age 40, since younger age may increase the risk of recurrence".

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/types/dcis/treatment

... was also DCIS (completely different than 1st BC). Despite some of the information here - there are, indeed, some circumstances that bring chemo into the recommended treatment protocol. DCIS can be non-invasive -or- invasive. In addition to CC's info above - Invasive DCIS (in simple terms): it has 'broken through' the duct.

My 2nd time: mammo, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, lumpectomy surgery & rads. Although the cancer was 'seen' to be 'very tiny & contained' via all the pre-surgery imaging tests - chemo was not taken off the table until post-surgery pathology reports showed clean margins.

Kind regards, Susan

Christmas Girl said:

My 2nd BC DX...

... was also DCIS (completely different than 1st BC). Despite some of the information here - there are, indeed, some circumstances that bring chemo into the recommended treatment protocol. DCIS can be non-invasive -or- invasive. In addition to CC's info above - Invasive DCIS (in simple terms): it has 'broken through' the duct.

My 2nd time: mammo, ultrasound, biopsy, MRI, lumpectomy surgery & rads. Although the cancer was 'seen' to be 'very tiny & contained' via all the pre-surgery imaging tests - chemo was not taken off the table until post-surgery pathology reports showed clean margins.

Kind regards, Susan

Invasive DCIS is called IDC. DCIS occurs ONLY within the milk ducts. Once it breaks out it is IDC, even if it is a micro invasion it is called DCIS w/micro invasion and is considered Stage 1.(http://books.google.com/books?id=eLfgMzfJEQ4C&pg=PT30&lpg=PT30&dq=dcis+with+microinvasion&source=bl&ots=ybUdhIGcA5&sig=8sTyDqKKBmIG--KgIh9fC6ANqDo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NJS4Ubv1IKnD0AGm1oHADA&ved=0CEgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false)

Chemo might be a part of the equation with DCIS and IDC.It depends on the cancer facts for that particular person.

Can you give me a link to the information that says DCIS can be invasive? I am interested in reading about it. Thanks!!

tasha_111 said:

Dx... idc... vs dcis.

Ok, as you will all understand, I was well confused... it was invasive, as I had to have all lymph nodes removed.  Now I have my fingers crossed that ; this time, it has not mets to anywhere.  If localised they have recommended a radical bi-lateral mastectomy (eww and yuck and ouch), If mets, well, no further treatment. Have reached my radiation limit and chemo alone would not solve the problem.  Thanks all.  Tasha....... J xxx

 

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma is very different.  Definitely not DCIS. 

Do you know anything about the pathology?  Is your tumor estrogen receptor positive, her2neu positive or triple negative? 

There are many individualized treatments for this disease.  Many of us here have mets (I have had mets since 2005) and also had many other treatments.  Depending on the pathology, many of us can live quite some time with this disease.

P.S. I had Stage 3A IDC (4 nodes, large tumor) and had an 18 year remission after mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy and tamoxifen.  I am fighting again, but not about to give up!  I strongly believe that my adherence to treatment has helped with my survival.

P.S. Do not worry about this mistake!  You are dealing with a lot and in shock!  Hang in there and please keep in touch.  Know we are here for you for support and to answer any questions that we can.  Gentle (((hugs))).