Mastectomy for DCIS
Hello. I am 42 and have recently been diagnosed with DCIS and am having to decide between a lumpectomy (with likely radiation) and a mastectomy. The DCIS is 33mm long, and categorised as high grade. I...
Forum Discussion
I am So sorry to hear of the loss of your sister & father to cancer @JLumb and now seeing you here too, joining our exclusive club. :( Your surgeon will definitely take your family history into consideration when advising you of your options ... but as @iserbrown says - going for the mastectomy may be the right choice for you. Ask them, what they would suggest to their wife/mother/sister in the same circumstances .... I told my surgeon that I was happy with a mastectomy if he needed to do it - but I ended up having a lumpectomy with nipple saving surgery - and fat 'relocated' to fill the hole at the same time.
We have 2 private groups (only members can see the posts and pics) for both Reconstruction and Staying Flat .... feel free to join them & chat with the ladies who have been thru this decision making before. xx. Just click on these links & click on 'join'.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/29-flat-chat-no-breast-reconstruction
This thread has a heap of info on the forum in general including what to take to hospital with you, what to do leading up to it (keeping busy doing stuff you love, maybe cook up some meals & freeze them so you have some 'ready to go' when you return home after surgery.). Always take someone with you to your appointments - a trusted friend or family member as physical and mental support - and also consider recording your appointments ... as you can never remember everything that was discussed!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest ;
Try & keep busy, doing stuff you love doing in the mean time .... if family & friends are asking what they can do to help - depending on your family situation .... it could involve mowing the lawn, picking up the kids & taking them to & from school or sports .... hanging the washing out, doing the housework ..... they WANT to help you .... and it is a win/win situation xx. You may be surprised to see who steps up to the plate and helps and who doesn't .... that is totally normal. Re telling your family & friends about your diagnosis ... you could send an email to everyone every week or so, filling them in on what is happening, as it can be stressful telling everyone over & over again as your treatment continues xx
take care & all the best for your ongoing appointments xx
We have 2 private groups (only members can see the posts and pics) for both Reconstruction and Staying Flat .... feel free to join them & chat with the ladies who have been thru this decision making before. xx. Just click on these links & click on 'join'.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/29-flat-chat-no-breast-reconstruction
This thread has a heap of info on the forum in general including what to take to hospital with you, what to do leading up to it (keeping busy doing stuff you love, maybe cook up some meals & freeze them so you have some 'ready to go' when you return home after surgery.). Always take someone with you to your appointments - a trusted friend or family member as physical and mental support - and also consider recording your appointments ... as you can never remember everything that was discussed!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest ;
Try & keep busy, doing stuff you love doing in the mean time .... if family & friends are asking what they can do to help - depending on your family situation .... it could involve mowing the lawn, picking up the kids & taking them to & from school or sports .... hanging the washing out, doing the housework ..... they WANT to help you .... and it is a win/win situation xx. You may be surprised to see who steps up to the plate and helps and who doesn't .... that is totally normal. Re telling your family & friends about your diagnosis ... you could send an email to everyone every week or so, filling them in on what is happening, as it can be stressful telling everyone over & over again as your treatment continues xx
take care & all the best for your ongoing appointments xx