Hi again Maryleigh,
More than happy to answer most of your questions but am inclined to think that some need to be answered by the experts as everyone's situation is different. Yes, I did have clear margins after the second lumpectomy and this is probably why radiotherapy and Tamoxifen was my best course of treatment. Mastectomy was never raised with me but I have told my oncologist that if I was to ever have a reoccurrence I would want to have one. My DCIS was found via normal screening. I was being screened yearly anyway as I had experienced a breast infection some 6 years ago and it was thought best to keep a more regular eye on things. Turned out that the DCIS was in the same breast and region as the infection had been. I have asked the question about whether the two are related but just get told maybe, maybe not. I got a "call back" after my mammogram in October 2012 and it went from there ie. core biopsy, first lumpectomy surgery, further surgery followed by radiotherapy four months on. I was prescribed the Tamoxifen right from the very beginning. I cannot give you a definitive reason why as my copy of my initial pathology report has gone missing. Now that everything has settled down and I have gotten through my first "mammoversary" unscathed my surgeon asked me if I would like to pursue reconstruction/reduction surgery. I have large breasts with a reasonable amount taken out in the end. I estimate that I have one breast now two sizes smaller than the other. I had been having problems with my neck and right shoulder the past few months which is thought to be as a result of the uneven weight. So along with a bit of reconstruction work it was considered a good idea to also undertake the reduction. For me it is not about what it looks like as opposed to the comfort factor. My surgeon's name is Diana Hastrich and she is located at The Mount in Perth.
I have to admit that I am the sought of person who just goes with the flow and tends not to ask too many questions. I have complete faith in my GP, surgeon and oncologist and just do what they advise me to do really. I think this attitude surprises some people but I am comfortable with it and that's the main thing!
Hugs and best wishes to you,
Vicki
