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Posted by Shelly Blechman on 1/27/2003 from 216.117.218.7:

In reply to: Diagnosis of LCIS posted by Pat on 1/24/2003 from 24.29.130.198:

I appreciate your compliments and am glad that you find our site useful. That is exactly our goal when we designed it. I understand your concerns about making the right choice, but it is important to realize that it doesn’t matter what someone else chose to do, as that was what was best for them, but might not be the case for you.

The way your doctor explained this to you is the same as other doctors with whom I am familiar. Lobular carcinoma in situ can serve as a marker for future cancer risk. There are a number of options that you have. Certainly the most drastic is bilateral mastectomy. Removing the LCIS is not always enough as this is not necessarily what grows into cancer. Close follow-up is another option that means exams every six months and yearly mammograms (though mammograms are not 100% and frequently, lobular carcinoma does not show up on mammograms). But that way, if cancer does develop, it is caught very early. Another option is to take Tamoxifen for up to five years, as this has shown to decrease the risk of getting breast cancer by over 50%. But as the doctor discussed with you, there are risks and side effects.

These are difficult decisions to make, but you have to look deep within you and listen to your gut instincts. This will probably tell you the choice that is right for you.

We would be glad to connect you with women who are taking Tamoxifen preventively (or others who are not) and send you information on that as well as genetic testing. Your doctors should be able to connect you with women in their clinic as well with whom you can speak to help you with some of these issues.

WIN ABC is here as a resource for you. If you have not done so already, please complete the Personal Profile Form by clicking on the link below as this will help us best meet your needs or contact our office toll free at (866) 2 WIN ABC (294-6222). Your information will be kept confidential.

Please keep in mind that we are not health care providers. Also, it is very difficult to render an opinion without knowing all the facts of any one particular case. One strong recommendation we would like to make is that you pursue your question(s) with your own physicians. You should feel fully empowered to obtain a satisfactory answer and feel free to seek a second or third opinion.

We have some great tips on partnering with your health care team and key questions to ask your doctors, communication tips and informed decision-making tips to help you get the information that you need.


Shelly Blechman
Program Director
WIN Against Breast Cancer

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Follow Ups:

• Re: Diagnosis of LCIS - Pat   1/27/2003 (1)
  • Re: Diagnosis of LCIS - Shelly Blechman   1/30/2003 (0)

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