Dcis

This is exactly why I'm doing my research as there is so much information out there, and lots of it unfortunately can be wrong or misleading - and yes it's a total shock when you're first told.  If someone had told me I would be considering mastectomy three weeks ago I would have laughed! You sound so brave Melinda to not have immediately made rash decisions - that you considered everything - I feel so chicken as I want the M and not radiation, but I guess others would feel the opposite! We are lucky to have options I guess...xx

@Caseypinto It sure has been a scary time, but you know, I couldn't face a mastectomy in 2015 at diagnosis it took me all that time to do it and I haven't looked back. That's why I know now I'd absolutely do the mastectomy and no treatment, every one is different absolutely! so I have no regrets, my path was meant to be for me to learn what I needed to. It was hard without my Mum both times and little support but amazing what you do when you have to. Just always, always be true to you :)Caseypinto said:

One more addition, I thought I'd read this somewhere and just found it on the bcna site under DCIS.

I can't say I agree with this, I had a Breast Surgeon, Plastic Surgeon, Oncologist and Genetic Counselors all say that my risk of DCIS or anything in the right breast was no different to the general population, they are separate and risk is not twice at all. 

Hugs Melinda xo

One more addition, I thought I'd read this somewhere and just found it on the bcna site under DCIS.

Thank you so much Melinda, what a scary time for you, just when you think it's over, it comes back.  This is my biggest fear and this is why I want the double now, recover and not look back.  A friend of mine had similar (Lobular but not invasive) and also regrets her decision of not having double mastectomy as she couldn't afford it at the time, and so far has had two recalls and is at present booked in for a biopsy.  I think I know my answer, guess I was just looking for validation, and time and time again I hear other ladies stories and it confirms my decision.  Thank you ladies so much for taking the time to help me, I really appreciate it and hope once I'm on my recovery road will also be able to help and guide others as you beautiful ladies have done for me xxxxxx

@Caseypinto Welcome to you! You really have to be guided by your Specialists in terms of your definitive pathology, it is such a hard decision to make and there really are alot of complexities to it. In 2011 I too was diagnosed with non invasive DCIS high grade, lumpectomy, clear margins and 5.5 weeks of radiation and then Tamoxifen for 4yrs. I did however have a recurrence in 2015 at my yearly checkup, 2.5cm tumor IDC ER+ Stage 2, Grade 3 Aggressive which rendered me mandatory Chemo after another major lumpectomy. As I was big breasted, with no node involvment, lumpectomy was as good as a mastectomy in my case. I was happy with my choices as I went. 14 months after finished chemo, at their recommendation I did a single mastectomy purely due to having had a recurrence and an immediate Diep Flap reconstruction. I was BRCA Gene negative and Genetic Counselors said that a double was unnecessary as did the Specialists as Nikki said, my risk in the right was as general population, they are not related. 

My Mum had BC at age 40, they did an immediate single mastectomy and reconstruction and she had NO TREATMENT. She survived 26yrs and they say her Cancer was unrelated to BC. 

I have to be honest with you, whilst I'm really ok and happy that I made each decision at the time that was best for me...hindsight is a wonderful thing and you just cannot foresee the road ahead. After 6yrs I am 2 years clear, all treatment done and just waiting for my revision surgery. Yes I have side effects that impact my life but overall I'm in such  a great place moving forward and never looking back. My approach in future would be different however, I'd do immediate Mastectomy and no treatment. :) So just do what feels what is right for you, there are no right or wrongs, only what you want and can live with. Hugs Melinda xo

Thank you Brenda5, yes, that's right, once I've decided I'm sure it will be right! Xx hope your recovery is going well. Are you ok? Xx

None of its easy but if you go with your own preference, its usually the right one for you. <3

Thinking of you as you make your decision @Caseypinto  x

Thank you for letting me know your story Nikki, so happy you've got great results 11 weeks on.  It's hard making the choice - just so unsure.  You hear so many different theories, my surgeon told me the chances of it occurring in my good breast was double .... mine is hormone receptive negative which unfortunately increases the chance of reoccurrence. I still have a couple of weeks to decide..... 
i wish you the very best for your ongoing recovery Nikki xx

Hi @Caseypinto welcome and sorry you have to be here. I was diagnosed with multi focal early DCIS and an area of invasive carcinoma in Feb 2016. Because of its multifocality, I was advised to have a mastectomy. My right breast was fine and I was told the chances of DCIS in right were same as normal population. So, I opted for a left vertical skin sparing mastectomy and insertion of a tissue expander. I was also put on Tamoxifen as mine was oestrogen receptive. 

I had a DIEP Reconstruction 11 weeks ago and I'm rapt with the results.

I saw my oncologist recently and asked him about chances of recurrence - he said 2%. Normal population. 

Totally  understand your worry. You can only decide what is right for you.

Nikki x