High grade DCIS
After a mammogram guided core biopsy my surgeon rang to say I had DCIS and he would need to remove a small area which would probably be all that was necessary.
A few days later he did a lumpectom...
Forum Discussion
So sorry to hear about your breast cancer.You are abit shell shocked at first because it all moves along so quickly.Sounds like you've had the goal posts moved on you.You psyche yourself up for one op and then cop another. Unfortunately this happens when they don't get clear margins-it's not uncommon.You need time to research reconstruction so don't rush your decision.It's something you can do down the track without a problem.There are basically 2 types.With an implant you have to have an expander put in first which gradually gets filled with saline and then you go back for another op to get the silicon implant.The other one (diep) is where they take a roll of belly fat and turn it into a boob-that's a very basic description.The recovery is much longer and it's very expensive.If you have another lumpectomy then you'll most likely have radiation(for 6wks)after it. If you have a mastectomy then you probably won't- your doctor will tell you. I had a lumpectomy and radiation back in 2003.I was in the unlucky 8% who get it again despite radiation.It came back last year in the same breast,same spot,so had to have a mastectomy and chemo.I wear a prosthesis in my bra and you'd never know.But a mastectomy scar is more confronting and poses a few problems(for me anyway).If I want a reconstruction in the future then I'm limited to the diep one.This is because I've had radiation which destroys elasticity in the skin.You are on a steep learning curve so gather opinions/information/goolge.Then write down all the questions to take with you to the doctor's and preferably have someone with you.It's such an anxious time for you but once you have a plan then you can get your head around it all and move forward.We are all anxious and sick to the pit of our stomachs when we get a bc diagnosis.Lots of love and support from family and friends will get you through.We are here for you too so blog any time you are scared or want to vent- we understand cos we've gone through it and survived and you will too.
Tonya xx