I hope this finds you as well as you can be today
I am new to this site/app, so hi
I was recalled from a routine mammogram. I followed with another mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. My return visit they said I had 10mm of DCIS -intermediate, and which would require a wire-led wide excision, or in other terms - a wire-guided lumpectomy. My op would be a few weeks later, because I also have rheumatoid arthritis. My RA journey started around 9 years ago and it’s only this last year that we’ve found 3 meds (including 2 different injections) to keep it at bay.
I had to stop all my Rheumatoid Arthritis meds to have my operation. I am 3 weeks on from that now and recovering really well. I’m back to driving, long walks and getting my 60 basketball shots in each day. My wound has dissolvable stitches and glue. That’s all still in place. I am returning to work (primary school) Monday.
I had my call from my surgeon regarding my surgery outcome. It is now a different diagnosis. It is PLCIS (Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in suti) which is treated in a similar way to a higher grade DCIS. They thought they were existing 10mm, but it turned out to be 35mm - that was a shock too! I understand that LCIS is it’s oppo.
I wish it wasn’t rare, and I wish it was all over. I have to see oncology next to arrange radiation. I have a rheumatology appointment booked for next week - booked in preparation to restart my RA meds; I’m a positive thinker Unfortunately, I’m thinking that I might have to hold off until after my radiation. Has anyone experienced radiation while on RA meds? My normal concoction is: Tocilizumab, Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine.
My bloods have recovered well after coming off my RA meds - wbc normal, Neutrophils normal and ALT the best it’s ever been for a long time at 24! I’m thinking that to recover well from radiation I might need to keep my bloods at a decent level. My joints are beginning to rebel a little, but not ridiculously yet.
Also, it’s my left breast. I hear radiation on that side isn’t the best. Do you have experience of that?
Any thoughts would be very much appreciated. I do understand that having RA and PLCIS is not a common combination, of course.
I was told that I don’t need hormonal treatment, but I’m not convinced about that, having read that this could be bilateral and I have more of a risk of things returning surreptitiously. As I have RA, my joints are already either/and sore/damaged. I could do without any more pain! I am postmenopausal (aged 61) and like to be forward thinking.
Thanks for taking time to read my lengthy post.