DCIS Diagnosis - surgery considerations

Question

Original post created by member&nbsp;@horselover&nbsp;in activity thread, moved to own discussion in 'Newly diagnosed' category:

julez1958 · Answer

Hi thereits a very personal decision.I had a large (5.5cm) lobular cancer in left breast and I am 63.On the biopsy it was 4.5cm but turned out to be 5.5 .We went from talk of a lumpectomy ( had large E cup breasts) to a mastectomy.My plastic surgeon suggested a reduction in the other one so I had skin sparing mastectomy on left breast with tissue expander in anticipation of DIEP flap surgery down the track.Then more I researched and spoke to people who had the double with DIEP the more I thought about going the double.My breast cancer surgeon said he supported whatever decision I made and said there was a 10 percent chance i would get cancer in the other breast.I know that having a healthy breast removed might at first seem extreme but this way I don’t have the anxiety of wondering if I’ll be one of the 10 percent.Also you can only do the DIEP once.Have a look at the website “Reclaim Your Curves “ and also you can ask to join the “choosing breast reconstruction “ private group on here.All the best with whatever you decide.I am 5 months post the double DIEP surgery and don’t regret it one little bit.

vsp · Answer

Hi @horselover. I’m on here because I had my third diagnosis back in September. &nbsp;I was diagnosed with DCIS (left breast) in 2014. At that stage I was happy to think about mastectomy but my breast surgeon felt that lumpectomy and radiation would be enough. &nbsp;I have not had any further issues in that breast since then; however, this latest diagnosis in my right breast of a 1 cm invasive carcinoma has meant that I am now looking at the double mastectomy and reconstruction. I’m in Victoria, so with the backlog of surgery due to the restrictions, I’m still waiting for a date for this to happen (I had the tumour and a node biopsy done a few weeks after my diagnosis so at least it’s out). &nbsp;My situation is very different to yours and I believe what is recommended has to do with lots of different factors including the size of your breasts and where the DCIS is, etc. &nbsp;This forum is definitely a good one for information and support.Wishing you all the best with your journey xx

anne65 · Answer

@horselover I too was diagnosed with DCIS back in Dec 2017. In fact this time, 4 years ago, I would have been in hospital recovering from my surgery! I remember how I felt on the way to see my BC surgeon for the first time...shall i have a lumpectomy/single/double mastectomy. I had read &amp; heard so much info, my head was buzzing plus I am very bad at making decisions. When I saw my surgeon she straight away said "we will do a lumpectomy &amp; I will take some tissue from below your breast to fill in the gap". She was so confident in her decision &amp; after explaining the facts to me, we went ahead. I have been truly blessed with my surgery/treatment &amp; have had no setbacks at all. I had radiotherapy but only because my DCIS was aggressive &amp; they thought it would be the best decision. I know now, after seeing the BCNA webinar the other night, that surgeons are opting for doing less rather than more when it comes to treatments &amp; surgery.I have not looked back. I am on no medication &amp; next year will be my last time visiting my surgeon before i am let out into the world by myself without any more medical guidance.&nbsp;As has been said above, everyones case is different &amp; the grade/level/size of DCIS is different so there isnt a "one size fits all"...unfortunately. As you will be told by many on this forum, the ultimate decision is yours but be guided by your medical team/BC nurse &amp; ask lots of questions. Get a second opinion too if you want. Dont research Dr Google, listen to those who will be with you throughout your cancer journey &amp; we will all be here to help you too. Good luck with your decision &amp; let us know what you decide.How many horses do you have? We have 4 including a foal born this year. Hopefully it can run fast. love &amp; hugs xx

horselover · Answer

No horses Anne 65 but they have always been a big part of my life. I love to ride and its something you never forget how to do. I am over thinking and also bad at making decisions. Have been recommended to do mastectomy and DIEP/TRAM flap reconstruction but just found out that the DCIS is high grade. Im wondering if Im wasting $ by doing reconstruction immediately and would be better off doing mastectomy then 'wait and see'.

iserbrown · Answer

https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/surgery/types-of-surgery/

Forum Discussion

DCIS Diagnosis - surgery considerations

8 Replies

Related Content

Confirmed diagnosis - Hi all

New diagnosis DCIS - surgery options

New metastatic diagnosis

New Diagnosis

Practical Considerations

Recent Discussions

Triple Positive HER2+

Alone in Melbourne newly diagnosed

Here we go again...

Newly Diagnosed with an early stage right breast cancer. Need your support and experience please

Newly diagnosed

Disclaimer:

Foundation partner	Major partners