Funny how life can be cruising along so nicely and then in the split of a second it all turns upside down. After discovering a rash on my right breast, itchiness, and nipple discharge 2 weeks ago I was sent of for stereotactic biopsy. The next day I had just finished taking my 5,7 and 8 year old to the dentist. We were sitting in the car ready to leave when I received the phone call that would change everything. The doctor said results showed cancer. I was so calm on the phone, listening to her talk but the next few hours and days were hard, very hard. Anyway, now after my hospital appointment, my emotional breakdown, I am booked in for lumpectomy and radiotherapy. I am so scared, I have never had operations, broken bones or rarely got sick and now this. They gave me the two options of lumpectomy or mastectomy and when I asked my doctor what's best, she said she would just do mastectomy. I just can't believe one week they can be there and next week gone. My breasts are quite large, double E cup so I feel like half of me would be missing and if I had that done I would rather both gone considering the size. Anyway the nurse said just do the lumpectomy and radiotherapy first and then go from there. I hope I am making the right decision. I just wonder is its better chances to just get the mastectomy done instead? Or will lumpectomy be enough. Like I said my mind keeps spinning I am starting to feel dizzy.

To start. I had my lumpectomy some 12 years ago. 10 years later I had double mastectomy . Slow and steady wins the day. Don't forget you can have a second opinion and I would recommend you speak with a cosmetic surgeon now before you book surgery. The first part is always the hardest, take a couple more weeks to get more advice and research. Good luck Toni, you will survive all this and you have found your way here where you can ask and talk about anything xx

Hello.This is such a stressful time,but believe me,you will get through this.I had a mastectomy and chemo,12 months ago now,and I feel fantastic.It is such a personal choice,as to whether you choose lumpectomy or mastectomy.I chose mastectomy,after asking my surgeon what he thought,He explained to me ,that because my lump was very deep,and directly behind my nipple,my breast would have looked very deformed with just the lump removed.Perhaps you can ask your doctor more questions,before you make your final decision.It will make no difference if you take a couple of extra weeks.Please stay in touch,as the ladies,on here always have such great advice .Cheers xox Robyn

I am so sorry that you have had your world tipped upside down by this diagnosis. The other ladies are right when they say take your time and find out as much as possible before deciding on what is right. I had a mastectomy in May last year when I was diagnosed with both DCIS and invasive DC in my left breast. I have been a DD even an E at various stages of my life but after making lots of healthy lifestyle changes I have lost weight and am now only a B cup in my remaining breast. I manage very happily with a prosthesis at the moment but can always do reconstruction at some stage in the future if I wish. Reading other people's stories on here helped me to realise that there are pros and cons with every situation and it is important to think about what is most important for you. As Robyn says it is a very personal choice. I hope you can find out what you need to to make the right decision for you. Take care. Deanne xxx

Thanks for your reply. After your lumpectomy did the cancer return? I wondered if the radiotherapy would have an effect on reconstruction. My op is Monday and they said after I get results on Thurs, I can decide if I want a mastectomy. Do you think if you had the choice again you would of skipped the lumpectomy and gone straight for mastectomy?

DCIS | BCNA Online Network

16 Replies

Toni_Christense
Member
11 years ago
Just following up from my last post. I ended up having a lumpectomy. It was unsuccessful so was straight back for a complete right mastectomy. It's been 4 weeks and I am healing well. Still it's been a blur, happened all so quick. I look down sometimes at my chest and it feels all so surreal. Sometimes I can't believe this has all just happened, but the scar is there to prove it. Have been researching prosthesis and can't wait to get a swimming one, so I can start aqua aerobics and swim with my kids again too. So somedays are tough but mostly all good.
June1952
Member
11 years ago
I am a small breasted woman, wearing a 16C normally.

My high grade DCIS was 45mm - not a bad growth rate for two years between mammograms ?? Shame my body did not put so much effort into my height over the years as I am 'height impaired' at not far over 5 foot.

Apparently 63% of my breast was involved so the surgeon had to take the lot - he said 50% was the maximum for a lumpectomy. Decision made !

As you say, all we can do is make the decisions based on the information we have at the time and not everything is known until the surgeon is doing his work.

If you are comfortable with your surgeon as well as his attitude and knowledge then it is easier to accept the necessary.

I am lop-sided currently but wore my Berlei bra and insert yesterday - no-one could tell which breast was gone.

Congrats on your 12 month check-up. Hope it continues.

Regards

Summer
June1952
Member
11 years ago
Hi Toni

I am thinking of you as today is your big day.

All the 'Network Ladies' will be hoping for the best possible outcome for you, whatever decision you make.

We will hear from you again once you are well enough to come on-line.

Kind regards

Summer
Hazel_M
Member
11 years ago
I had 2 tumours 15mm and 8mm and they were 1cm apart in one quandrant of of the one breast. When I met the surgeon I was determined to have a mastectomy. I did ask his opinion and he was confident that he could remove the 2 tumours and hopefully get clear margins. I am an E cup and he said if I pictured a cake cut in slices, he would be removing just one small slice and it would be hardly noticed. Everything went to plan including clear margins. I do realise that things could have been different as they don't really know until they operate. So I still have 2 breasts and can't even notice anything is missing. It's such a hard decision to make, especially when you are under stress. Try to gather all the facts and make the decision that you will be happy with. My family who have dealt with lots of breast cancer (lots of history) were worried I was doing the wrong thing, thinking if I had the whole lot off my problems would be over, not so, there is still the chest wall to think about. I recently had my 12 month check-up, nothing bad was detected. I'm comfortable with my decision and have no regrets. If by some chance it returns in the same breast I will still have no regrets as I made the decison with the facts I had at that time. I wish you all the best with whatever decision you make,

Hazel xx
Julia44
Member
11 years ago
Hi Toni,

I had invasive breast cancer and had two operations where they were not happy with the margins so ended up with a mastectomy and the 3 operations in 6 weeks.

But they thought that it would not be necessary, I guess they don't know till they do it?

Good Luck,

Julia
Purplediamond
Member
11 years ago
Hi Toni.

I hope my 'story' helps you. It took a long time for me to get to where I am now...so take your time...get lots of advice. The lumpectomy was right for me...twice. Radiation is not that bad...really, truly.

I am in a different place now, and for me, tomorrow will tell me more.

Below is my journey (i have copied it from my blog)...read it if you wish.

Best of luck, do what feels right. xx Janet

'I was first diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer in Sept 2001. A successful lumpectomy followed.

I was diagnosed again (DCIS, same breast, same scare opened) in Sept 2004 with 30 sessions of radiation. I have been clear ever since...that is until Tues. I went for my yearly Mammo and ultrasound. There was a 'suspicious" area. l had 3 core biopsies taken. Bottom line, IDC this time...same breast...different spot...Sept again! I can see a pattern here that I don't like :-)

My appointment with my breast surgeon is on Monday. I'm prepared for the whole mastectomy, chemo thing. Frankly, I don't think he will have any other options.

I know I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, but I have thought through (over the last few years) what my response woukld be to a mastectomy. I think that a double would be my choice. The main reason is that I am a DD cup, so on the large side, and large isn't all it's cracked up to be. Plus, I'm not that precious about "the girls"...they've been a worry for a long time.

I think I'd opt for no reconstruction, and eventually a couple of cool tattos to cover the scaring.'
June1952
Member
11 years ago
Welcome to the best possible source of advice and support as you battle with your life situation. YOU are the most important person at the moment.

As a result of my usual Breastscreen mammogram I was diagnosed with extensive DCIS in August.

The surgeon told me straight out that I had to have a mastectomy. It was a very high grade cancer but contained within the milk ducts. No skin or nipple preserving options for me. He took 2 lymph glands and it appears they are clear so no need for chemo or radio - lucky me, I am so blessed for that.

I am yet to see the Oncologist but know it will be hormones and very strict regular testing from now on.

Unfortunately I had to have three surgeries (I had a melt-down when told of the third) but I had already decided that I would not go for reconstruction. The 'No Reconstruction' group on this network can assist here. That decision can be made later, once you are over the main hurdles.

I was terrified of surgery but made myself an affirmation and that got me through the first two OK. If I can get through, you can as well. I typed up the affirmation and had it on the wall opposite my hospital bed. It sounds stupid when people say "be positive" as you are the one being tested but you will find that strength within yourself.

My affirmation is "I am strong. I am positive. I am proud".

I have the affirmation on the loungeroom wall and use it at any time I am feeling down - it helps a lot.

Good luck. Take time for yourself and allow all around you to spoil you !

Keep in touch and get onto the site if you need someone to talk to.

Summer
Toni_Christense
Member
11 years ago
It sure is a whirlwind. Thank you Karen, I think having someone there would of helped. For now I will see how it all goes on Monday and talk to a nurse before op and go from there. xx
Cook65
Member
11 years ago
Hi Toni I was diagnosed in April this year with DICS. I have just had my 5th chemo last Thursday and have one more to go before starting radio therapy. All I can suggest is ask lots of questions. If needs be make another appointment with your doctor to go over it all again and definitely have someone with you. Ask the dr why he thinks mastectomy, what the chances of reoccurrence is likely to be with both. Also prepare yourself that it could all change once you have surgery. I was initially told I would get away with just radiotherapy but after surgery and the removal of the two tumours, they decided that chemo would be necessary. It is a whirlwind in those first few months and very confronting to make these decisions. The other girls are right though, we will get through this and we will feel well and strong again. Good luck with it all. Best wishes, Karen xoxo
Toni_Christense
Member
11 years ago
And to another beautiful strong woman, thank you for sharing. So much to think about and perhaps I should think a little longer and not rush into anything.