Diagnosed with DCIS I have implants

I know this is hard but no-one knows how much time they have. Ever. My mother used to say life is what happens when you were making other plans. Your life just took a turn that's scary and unwelcome. Doing nothing won't end the uncertainty, it will just substitute one uncertainty with another. You need someone close at hand to talk to, there are people who can help you at this stage, as Melinda has suggested. I have spent the last 5 years with one breast. I can look in the mirror with ease. It's not a terrible thing to me, it's an obstacle that I overcame. My last five years have been great in many ways, would not have missed them for quids. Take heart, the fix is about your head and your heart not just your breast. 

I asked about reconstruction at the same time he was keen said I would need expander probably for 3 months. I don’t get that. At least fix it at the same time. He said the nipple would have to go. Do u know if I don’t have treatment how much time I would have left.  Seems all too hard. I am just recovering from back surgery only 6 weeks ago. Now to have another operation. I know this sounds selfish. But I think I am done. 

Hey @Lisa Janelle, I'm sorry to hear 7cm of microcalcification, what your Surgeon says sounds absolutely right in your circumstance. I sooo get not wanting to do anything, that maybe just let it run its course, I know Ive been there too at 1st diagnosis in 2011, you have the right to choose and control what you do. I do urge you though to try and step back and think about things, it is incredibly overwhelming and I understand as I couldnt have done a mastectomy at the point of being told where you are at the moment. IT is too much...

I will tell you this though...I had DCIS lumpectomy. it was ER+ in 2011, I had clear margins no problems, no lymphs involved. Radiation and tamoxifen for 4yrs, so I did everything I could....I had a recurrence in the same spot 4yrs later but IDC 2.5cm tumor and had to undergo chemo. 1yr after treatment as preventative and due to recurrence in Feb of this year I chose a single mastectomy, my genetic testing was negative. Lisa, knowing what I know now??? had I have done the mastectomy I would not have faced the whole recurrence and chemo. 

I admit as I was post treatment I had a single mastectomy/diep flap reconstruction all in one hit and yes it was so much easier psychologically and emotionally, I never looked back. Getting to that point was very difficult. I'm not sure in your situation why you couldnt have some sort of reconstruction at the same time. There are lots of ladies on here I really hope will jump in as I cannot recall who has had similar to you. 

@nikkid had multifocal DCIS who maybe able to help you, also she is currently in hospital recovering from her revision surgery. 

Lisa I also urge you to reach out to some counselling, it is so important right now where you are, be in through BCNA the Cancer Council or someone independant. It absolutely helped me enormously!

Hugs Melinda xo

Lisa it alot to take in. I'm sure your stronger than you think.....

Is it ok to walk away and let it take its course. 

I have seen the surgeon I don’t understand why I can’t reconstruction after seems cruel to wait months. I don’t have the strength to live like this. How do u cope looking in the mirror I know that is selfish but I am leaning on the wall to do nothing 

I know this is not the news you want. No-one wants this news. But you will be surprised at what you can do, if that's the best option for treatment and recovery. Have you some support at this time? 

My report from biopsy said I have a large area approx 7cm of microcalifications from nipple to chest wall. I can’t have a lumpectomy

Hi @Lisa Janelle how did the appointment go, what did they say? they wouldnt have complete pathology without a lumpectomy so not sure how any decisions would be made yet? Hugs Melinda xo

I have to have a mastectomy I don’t think I can do it