I know how incredibly confusing it can be, and two and a half months after diagnosis of multi-focal intermediate grade DCIS I have yet to have follow up treatment. However, I have researched it extensively, and had three more `second opionions' from specialists in both the private and public sector. All say I should have a mastectomy as I have `busy breast' (four papillomas removed in the past 10 years, a cyst, lumpectomy to remove low grade DCIS, and then another two sites of DCIS found). All say that DCIS is abnormal cells or pre-cancer contained in the milk ducts, and a woman's risk is higher of developing invasive breast cancer than those that don't have it. However, no-one knows who will go on to develop invasive cancer and who won't. For this reason, the treatment for DCIS is the much the same as if it was invasive cancer, (though no chemotherapy) with lumpectomy and radiotherapy, or mastectomy if it is widepread. I have struggled with this diagnosis, believing the treatment to be very radical, but will go ahead with further treatment shortly. I would advise you to get a second opinion, (if only to confirm you are taking the right action) and if you need help emotionally, to get a referral to a psychologist to help you to come to terms with the diagnosis. Several women also responded to my blog on this site, and it was very comforting to know that others out there are offering their support despite going through the same thing themselves. I wish you all the best with your decision and follow up treatment, and as my friend tells me, keep on breathing. MaryLeigh XX
