My DCIS diagnosis: Should I seek additional treatment?

Maya, maybe there is some holistic methods you could use to fight against a recurrence. In just starting with chemo and already worried about this conning back. I was considering sour sop or another holistic approach

Maya, My surgery also had minimal 1.7 mm and 2.2 mm sized tumors with 3 negative axillary lymph nodes at time of surgery. Initially one tumor pre op with the second found in surgery. Surgeons felt “all removed.” I’m also TNC but I’m also BRCA 2, putting me at even a higher risk, and my Ki score was 95%, as the IDC was deemed very small but very aggressive. I had double mastectomies as advised and stringent monitoring as I had been doing for nearly 10 years prior with breast MRIs and mammograms every 6 months as advised with the gene mutation. I was told initially no chemo nor radiation was indicated but on my 3 month post op Oncologist visit, with my second Dr, he questioned chemo, not advised post op but the other Dr, but put me on monthly labs and 3 month CTs. Unfortunately in 10 months a regional mets to one axillary node was found with necrosis, buying the need for aggressive chemo, radiation, and now PARP inhibitors, as I cannot have immunotherapy due to 5 autoimmune diagnoses and treatment risks. I’m grateful for stringent post op monitoring, now permitting Pet scans, that is vital, and I’m very active and walk at least 10 miles daily, along with healthy diet and routines. I never smoked nor used alcohol, as very rare socially. Journey not easy but made tolerable and I’m doing very well now and grateful as my mother, dad, and a sister died from cancers with our strong history. Stay positive, follow all recommendations and you will do very well. Advocate for yourself always. Prayers 🙏

This sounds so scary. I’m having such a hard time with all of this. It’s a constant fight to stay positive

Lee, I agree with your feelings and feel this is normal as we battle cancer. My family on both sides have high risks for different cancers. I never smoked, rare social drink like less than 1 a year, normal, thin build, and I exercise and walk a lot daily and am an RN. My faith in God and support helps. I wish you the very best. Keep active and follow Oncology recommendations. 🙏🙏🙏

I don’t know where you live, but I would seek another opinion from a specialist in TNBC. No further treatment after that diagnosis and no chemo isn’t the usual course for treating TNBC.

It's completely understandable to feel anxious after a cancer diagnosis, especially when dealing with the recent loss of your mother. The worry about whether enough has been done is a natural response that many patients experience, even when medical experts provide reassurance about treatment plans. Having two oncologists agree on your care path is significant, and these feelings of uncertainty are part of processing such a major health event - consider discussing these concerns openly with your medical team or connecting with others in this community who may have had similar experiences.