Forum Discussion

Kellie_Smith's avatar
Kellie_Smith
Member
11 years ago

DCIS AND RADIOTHERAPY

It is a week since my wide local excision of my DCIS and am feeling better althrough I had a large hematoema undeneath my breast... I received great pathology results from my surgeon on Tuesday that my margins were 100% clear, in fact, there was no cancer cells present at all (they were all removed during biopsy as the DCIS was so tiny... My surgeon suggested I did not need radiation but asked me to see a Radiation Oncologist for another opinion... I saw her today and she has told me that based on everything, she doesn't think I need radiation... I was really happy, but also a little worried that it increases my risk of this returning.. She also told me that I had Intermediate to High Grade DCIS and it is hormone receptive... My surgeon and the Radiation Oncologist both suggested I see another Oncologist to discuss Tamoxifen, etc but are both not 100% convinced that I need it either but it something I can consider... I am feeling really confused.... I sort of just want the doctors to TELL me what I need, rather than make these decisions myself... They are being mindful that I am only 40 years old and that the extra treatments may have a larger impact on my life, when they may not be needed at all... They are all wonderful Drs here on the Gold Coast but I'm just feeling very anxious that by doing less treatments now can put me into a higher risk category of facing all of this all over again??  Am I needlessly worrying? Should I just be happy that my DCIS was so small and completely removed and just get on with life??  Has anyone else had a higher grade DCIS and not done any radiation treatment?  So sorry for all of the questions x

biopsy
hormone-therapy
radiotherapy
tamoxifen
  • Chorsell's avatar
    Chorsell
    Member
    11 years ago
    I also had DCIS - high grade. However with my wide local excision I did not have clear margins and mine was also classed as "extensive"... I have since had a sentinel node biopsy and that's all clear.. Because DCIS is very early and there are a lot of variables the treatment plan can be very different for every one... Age, family history and the nature and pathology all play a part. I have heard that what you have been advised for treatment is often suggested but if you are unsure you need to keep asking questions until you are comfortable. There is some great information on DCIS on both cancer council website and the national site as well. Time is on your side and you don't have to make any rush decisions but take a couple of weeks to do some research about what this diagnosis means for you and your treatment and your future monitoring. My circumstances are a bit different to you however my treatment is mastectomy - don't panic because my situation is different... I have learnt that this is not a one size fits all and that there are a lot of variables that change treatment options. I personally needed to be really informed in order to ensure the decisions I was making were right for me. Good luck - this is a great site for asking questions and sharing information - good luck with your journey Chris xx
  • Chorsell's avatar
    Chorsell
    Member
    11 years ago
    I also had DCIS - high grade. However with my wide local excision I did not have clear margins and mine was also classed as "extensive"... I have since had a sentinel node biopsy and that's all clear.. Because DCIS is very early and there are a lot of variables the treatment plan can be very different for every one... Age, family history and the nature and pathology all play a part. I have heard that what you have been advised for treatment is often suggested but if you are unsure you need to keep asking questions until you are comfortable. There is some great information on DCIS on both cancer council website and the national site as well. Time is on your side and you don't have to make any rush decisions but take a couple of weeks to do some research about what this diagnosis means for you and your treatment and your future monitoring. My circumstances are a bit different to you however my treatment is mastectomy - don't panic because my situation is different... I have learnt that this is not a one size fits all and that there are a lot of variables that change treatment options. I personally needed to be really informed in order to ensure the decisions I was making were right for me. Good luck - this is a great site for asking questions and sharing information - good luck with your journey Chris xx
  • Chorsell's avatar
    Chorsell
    Member
    11 years ago
    I also had DCIS - high grade. However with my wide local excision I did not have clear margins and mine was also classed as "extensive"... I have since had a sentinel node biopsy and that's all clear.. Because DCIS is very early and there are a lot of variables the treatment plan can be very different for every one... Age, family history and the nature and pathology all play a part. I have heard that what you have been advised for treatment is often suggested but if you are unsure you need to keep asking questions until you are comfortable. There is some great information on DCIS on both cancer council website and the national site as well. Time is on your side and you don't have to make any rush decisions but take a couple of weeks to do some research about what this diagnosis means for you and your treatment and your future monitoring. My circumstances are a bit different to you however my treatment is mastectomy - don't panic because my situation is different... I have learnt that this is not a one size fits all and that there are a lot of variables that change treatment options. I personally needed to be really informed in order to ensure the decisions I was making were right for me. Good luck - this is a great site for asking questions and sharing information - good luck with your journey Chris xx
  • Elizebeth's avatar
    Elizebeth
    Member
    11 years ago
    hi kellie Like Chris I also had high grade DCIS and extensive in the breast so i had a masectomy and I have seen 3 surgeons for other opinions and all agree that no rads or tamoxifen...again we are each different and whilst we all worry about this beast coming again I just figured that the other effects of additional treatment and risk they gave me was low so I live like we all do with hope of a normal life ...well as normal as it ever will be again! So get more opinions if you need to it can help. Elizebeth
  • Elizebeth's avatar
    Elizebeth
    Member
    11 years ago
    hi kellie Like Chris I also had high grade DCIS and extensive in the breast so i had a masectomy and I have seen 3 surgeons for other opinions and all agree that no rads or tamoxifen...again we are each different and whilst we all worry about this beast coming again I just figured that the other effects of additional treatment and risk they gave me was low so I live like we all do with hope of a normal life ...well as normal as it ever will be again! So get more opinions if you need to it can help. Elizebeth
  • Pommy8's avatar
    Pommy8
    Member
    3 years ago
    Like some of you I have high grade dcis but found small 8mm cancer now removed:)
    Also sentinel node biopsy clear just waiting to see surgeon Thursday for next step all the waiting is the worst.

  • Bregson's avatar
    Bregson
    Member
    3 years ago
    I had DCIS and had a mastectomy in December 
    Just before my 6 mth check I’ve found a lump in my left breast.
    Had ultrasound ,fine needle  biopsy but now need a core biopsy.
    The waiting is making me soo anxious 
  • Lara68's avatar
    Lara68
    Member
    3 years ago
    I had intermediate grade dcis and needed two surgeries to get clear margins, including the removal of my areola and nipple. I have been told by my surgeon that I need radiotherapy but have yet to meet with the radiation oncologist as my last surgery was only a week ago. I will do whatever it takes to have piece of mind!