Hi @kristiekoala. I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) in my left breast back in April 23 and had a skin sparing double mastectomy (ie: they couldn't keep the nipple/aerola which is otherwise called Nipple sparing) and lymph nodes removed. My pathology was ER+ and PR+. This type of diagnosis was non-invasive cancer as hadn't spread to the lymph nodes but they were removed as part of the process to check in having the double mastectomy. I went privately for the surgery through Pindara Hospital on the Gold Coast and there was a 1 week time frame between diagnosis, consulting with a surgeon and then the actual surgery and 4 day hospital stay. I didn't need chemo etc. I took very evasive action in having the double mastectomy. This is what was ultimately recommended and was the best result due to the high grade, close margins to the nipple and the possibility of re-occurrence in the right breast. I have no regrets. Whilst not a specialist Im not sure why you have only been recommended a lumpectomy. Maybe it is the public system. I had tissue expanders inserted at the time of mastectomy and then reconstruction 5 months later with silicon implants but haven't had any further cosmetic nipple reconstruction surgery or nipple/aereola tattoos. In my case I see that it came down to a "trade off" in having the major surgery as a means for a better future prognosis. I feel for you as there are so many questions and decisions and it is very much a case that you only get snippets of information at a time. I wish you the best in your journey to a healthy future.
