dcis

Question

Ive DCIS in the right breast &amp;now an MRI has found spot in left breast. I had an ultround 14/8/25 but breast are dense &amp; lessions couldnt be seen. Now booked for MRI with biopsy on 28/8, results 1/9/25. Ive booked for travell overseas with hubby on 7/9/25 till 18th october.&nbsp; Should i postpone till i get ?? Please help

may2024 · Answer

Hi huppy​ I'm so sorry you are on this journey, especially with an overseas holiday booked. &nbsp;I was diagnosed with DCIS and had a double mastectomy in Nov 2024. I too had very dense breasts and it wasn't picked up with the regular breast screen. &nbsp;I was part of a 'family history clinic' with Breastscreen and I received the letter "no cancer detected". As part of the family history program, I also receive an MRI so I booked in for that and that's when they discovered the DCIS on the right side of my right breast. &nbsp;As I opted for the double mx, (I didn't want to go through all of that again and there is a strong history of bc in the family) they sent both breasts off to pathology for testing. Results came back in that I had a larger DCIS in my right breast by on the left side that was not detected on any of the screening, and my left breast had another type. As it was caught early and the sentinal node was removed and given the all clear, I didn't require any treatment (had I not opted for the double, I was told I would have needed to have some form of treatment). I don't have any advice on whether or not you should postpone your trip but I'll keep my fingers crossed that you are still able to go on your trip with hubby and have a fabulous time

arpie · Answer

huppy​&nbsp; ....&nbsp;
Yes, the wound needs to be healed before radiation can commence. In my case, surgery was in mid Jan &amp; radiation was in April.&nbsp; I didn't have chemo.
When my diagnosis came in, my GP suggested 2 breast surgeons &amp; I did a 'Dr review search' on them &amp; one had glowing references &amp; the other didn't, so I went with the glowing references &amp; I had the most fantastic, caring surgeon who (if in Sydney) I would recommend to anyone.&nbsp;
Dr Sarah Kemp is a specialist Breast Surgeon (which, in my view is MUCH better than going with a 'General Surgeon'.)&nbsp; Asking about an aesthetically pleasing result could be one question to ask, depending on the amount of surgery you may require.&nbsp; Sadly, some may have nasty scarring depending on where the tumours are ... and this may affect 'body image' afterwards? (just thinking out loud here!) I was very lucky with mine, as he did a mini fat transfer within the breast at the same time (I'd never noticed that it was larger than my other breast!) My surgeon prides himself on 'good looking' outcomes &amp; even my Onc had to look twice to see which breast had had the surgery!&nbsp;
It wouldn't hurt to see two surgeons - they may well have different fee structures too, so don't forget to ask about that as well (even get it in writing) also how much rebate you'll get back from medicare/Health Insurance if going private for surgery.
BTW, are you considering going private or public for your surgery?&nbsp; I went private for surgery (biggish fees &amp; fairly big out of pocket cost.) Then I went public for Radiation &amp; Medical Oncology, which was free.&nbsp;
You may well feel more comfy with one than the other, just from that first appointment.&nbsp; &nbsp;Check if they both have a breast care nurse that you can chat with between appointments?&nbsp; My surgeon suggested a gel (called Kelocote - that I applied to my scar (once semi healed) to lessen the scarring - and he provided it 'at cost' to his patients, which was a great $ saver.) I have minimal, virtually no scarring&nbsp; .... they may do the same.It is highly stressful &amp; upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed or stressed by it all, give our Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 for a calming chat xx.Also, consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - she is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor - and was surprised at her own reaction to the news, when she'd been counseling others for many years &amp; thought she 'knew it'!&nbsp; She has done 2 'seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped. She is very easy to listen to &amp; you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts.&nbsp;http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.htmlCheck out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum &amp; what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental &amp; physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xxhttps://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latesttake care &amp; all the best in your decision making xx

bj · Answer

Heyhuppy​&nbsp;&nbsp;sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it’sa challenging time for sure. After some faffing around, &nbsp;MRI and stereotactic biopsies on 1/2 July, I was diagnosed on 9 July with DCIS and invasive Mucinous carcinoma in &nbsp;my L breast plus LCIS and a papilloma in my right. After consultation with surgeon decided on L mastectomy and R lumpectomy. We had a holiday booked for two weeks from July 19 up north. The surgeon offered me surgery on July 23, but when we asked about the holiday she said it was fine, so we booked surgery for August 13. We didn’t tell anyone about it all before our trip, and found the holiday very relaxing. I didn’t think too much about the looming surgery, was able to totally relax and enjoy some really special time with hubby. Sure it was in the back of our minds, but being away distracted us and helped me process it all.&nbsp;of course it’s totally dependent on medical advice and we were guided by that. but I wanted to share that our holiday before surgery was wonderful and helped me. It gave me time before the surgery to get used to the idea of losing a boob, but without trying to focus on work or anything else while I was waiting. The week after the holiday and before surgery was harder, didn’t achieve as much at work as I should have! All the best with it all xx

huppy · Answer

thank you BJ, much appreciate you reaching outIf my news of MRI biopsy isn't urgent than we will go away 7 have surgery when back.I believe the right breast will be a lumpectomy. But the left breast shows 2 spots near nipple &amp; 13 cm&nbsp; to the other spot.&nbsp;&nbsp;How are you feeling after the operations &amp; did you have both at same time?&nbsp;What next for you?&nbsp;Huppy&nbsp;

bj · Answer

All the best with the results Huppy. I had both the mastectomy and lumpectomy in the same surgery. Glad to have it done, just taking my time with recovery. Had a great couple of days and then fell a bit flat yesterday, so taking it a bit slower today. I get the results from the pathology on Wednesday, which will guide next steps. Fingers crossed the little invasive bugger hasn’t escaped to the lymph nodes. It did test positive to hormones, so will find out if I need any meds going forward.&nbsp;I have my fingers crossed for you, the waiting can be hard, but this website was great as I waited for surgery, such good info and a supportive network of people with lived experience. &nbsp;Also the BC nurses are amazing, if you haven’t already been connected with one it’s worthwhile starting that soon as they can have such practical advice and are great to chat to (answering all sorts of silly questions!).take care x