Breast Cancer

How do I choose between lumpectomy and mastectomy for DCIS?

I was recently diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and I'm learning about my surgery options. My doctor explained that I have choices between breast-conserving surgery, which removes only the cancer while keeping most of my breast, or mastectomy, which removes the entire breast. Most breast-conserving surgeries are followed by radiation therapy to reduce the chance of cancer returning. I'd love to hear from others who have faced similar decisions about DCIS treatment. Your experiences and insights would be really helpful as I navigate this. • What factors helped you decide between breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy? • What do you wish you had known when making your surgery decision?

What to Expect From Lymph Node Transfer Surgery?

DMX in August of 2024 followed by 16 chemo treatments, reconstruction and 26 radiation treatments. Now on kisqali and anastrazole. Radiation messed with the breast tissue on the treated side and plastic surgeon wanted to wait until I'm done with kisqali (2028) to fix the breasts. Just met with her again this week for a check up and because I'm experiencing some mild lymphodema in that radiated breast she wants to do the surgery at the end of this year. The plan is to take the implants out, use my own adipose tissue to reconstruct and do a lymph node transplant to fix the lymphodema at the same time. Not looking forward to another surgery so soon but understand why she wants to bump up the time line. Looking to hear from those who've experienced it, as to what to expect from this surgery.

Is exemestane worth the side effects after letrozole didn't prevent recurrence?

Hi! 9 years ago I had a lumpectomy for stage 1 lobular in my left breast. Degradation and 7 years of letrozole. Recently they found cancer in my right breast( stage 2) and I had a double mastectomy. My oncologist now wants me to start exemestane. My concern is about what it will do to my heart, bones etc. obviously the letrozole didn’t keep the cancer away. Is it worth taking something new, having it effect other things and possibly not keep cancer from popping up again.

I was diagnosed with stage2 breast cancer in Feb of this year. Went to every appointment and I decided not to have the radiation treatment. I had a lumphetomy. Too many side effects. Has anyone done this.

What Are New Treatment Options for HER2-Low Breast Cancer?

Discover how HER2-low status is redefining breast cancer care. Learn about new treatment options, including antibody-drug conjugates for improved outcomes. https://outcomes4me.com/cancer-topic/breast-cancer-treatment-and-side-effects/why-her2-low-status-is-the-new-frontier-in-personalized-breast-cancer-treatment/

Outcomes4Me

Why HER2-low status is the new frontier in personalized breast cancer treatment

Discover how HER2-low status is redefining breast cancer care. Learn about new treatment options, including antibody-drug conjugates for improved outcomes.

What are other people's experiences with Anastrozole side effects?

Hi! New to the group and looking for others who have taken Anastrozole and learning what their experiences were like. I had severe side effects and the oncologist took me off med which triggered pretty significant heart issues, uncontrolled blood pressure that landed me in the hospital and later put on another heart med. I have heart issues from heart attacks and triple-bypass I had 20 years ago. Oncology appt soon and they are probably going to try and put me back on med and not sure it’s good for me. Input from others would be greatly appreciated.

Is it safe to take GLP1 after breast cancer treatment?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Had a mastectomy and completed treatment including radiation. My last PET scan was clear. Is it safe for me to take a GLP1 ? I am taking letrozole daily.

Does anyone take Anastrozole every other day?

Anyone taking Anastrozole every other day instead of daily?

How can I manage AI side effects like joint pain and weight gain?

Struggling with AI side effects? Learn strategic ways to manage joint pain, weight gain, and hair thinning while staying on your breast cancer treatment plan. https://outcomes4me.com/cancer-topic/breast-cancer-treatment-and-side-effects/a-strategic-approach-to-managing-aromatase-inhibitor-side-effects/

Outcomes4Me

A strategic approach to managing aromatase inhibitor side effects

Struggling with AI side effects? Learn strategic ways to manage joint pain, weight gain, and hair thinning while staying on your breast cancer treatment plan.

What's best for DCIS: lumpectomy or mastectomy?

I was recently diagnosed with DCIS (stage 0 breast cancer) that is hormone-positive, and I'm postmenopausal. My doctor explained that I have several surgical options to consider: breast-conserving surgery (which would remove just the cancer while keeping most of my breast) either alone or with radiation therapy afterward, or mastectomy (removing the entire breast). They also mentioned that because of my hormone status and being postmenopausal, I might be a candidate for accelerated partial breast irradiation if I choose breast-conserving surgery. I'd love to hear from others who have faced similar decisions with DCIS. • What factors helped you decide between breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy? • If you had radiation therapy, what was your experience like with the different types available?