Dcis er+

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi, i received a diagnosis in October, i was told it was high grade and would need WLE, but no other follow up treatment.

Following the wle i was only told it was 22cm and high grade, i had clear margins but would need radiotherapy .
I met with the Oncologist yesterday who informed me that i had high and intermediate dcis which was ER+ with comedo
necrosis.
I was quite shocked at not having been told this by my breast surgeon following my surgery!

The oncoligist suggested that given my age 69 i shouldn’t bother with hormone treatment but should immediately stop my HRT patches.
She recommended 10 days RT.
Five days whole breast and 5 days booster directions to the wle area.
I am confused really, but my main question is should i have the 5 day booster RT…will it make much difference?

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Hi I’m the same age 69y I was diagnosed with the same high grade DCIS oestrogen positive I had lumpectomy clear margins two yrs ago I had only five days radiotherapy but put on firstly Tamoxifen which totally didn’t agree with my lower parts, now after much research asked for Anastrezole so on for five yrs. it’s a mind field as some of us don’t get given all the information, and leaving us needing to ask questions and do our own research as a layman, mind boggling.

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Hi justme3.

Thanks for posting.

It’s understandable you are feeling confused about your treatment plan following your diagnosis of DCIS. It can feel particularly confusing when you’ve received different levels of information from your treatment team. As @Preston says, it can feel like a mind field.

Many people who have had a wide local excision (lumpectomy) to treat DCIS will be offered radiotherapy following this, but this will depend on the size and grade of the DCIS. Recent research suggests that giving an extra radiotherapy boost could reduce the chances of the DCIS coming back so this could be why your oncologist has recommended it. But it’s important that you understand why you have been offered this treatment. We would always suggest you make another appointment with your oncologist to discuss this, as they are best placed to explain your treatment plan, based on your individual situation.

We know that HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer. So anyone who is taking HRT whilst diagnosed with breast cancer will be advised to stop it. As the DCIS you had was oestrogen (ER) positive it’s thought best not to add additional hormones to your body as there’s uncertainty about whether HRT increases the risk of the DCIS coming back. If you’re worried about stopping your HRT, do talk to your oncologist or breast cancer nurse about this. You may also find this information helpful.

We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link, or call our free helpline.

Do also call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).

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Best wishes

Vic

Breast Care Nurse

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