DCIS

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.'