Forum Discussion

ThinLizzy's avatar
ThinLizzy
Member
13 hours ago

Indecisive

I am new to this group and beginning my journey. It is very reassuring to feel I can learn from other members experiences. Knowing that everyone’s situation is different and I am beginning to appreciate that there are a number of decisions ahead of me regarding treatment options.

i was recently diagnosed with mass-forming, high-grade DCIS of the left breast. The mammogram detected a single 14mm lesion and an ultrasound detected a corresponding mass. So I understand that this is considered small in size. No hormone marker testing was performed on the biopsied tissue. I have been scheduled for a wide excision next week and my surgeon has given me two options: either have a sentinel lymph node biopsy at the time of the surgery, or wait until the histopathology report is back (after surgery) and then later do the sentinel lymph node biopsy if any invasive cancer is detected. 

I am having difficulty making a decision. I appreciate that if the biopsy is performed next week (whilst the excision is performed), I only then have one anaesthetic but if I choose the second option, I may avoid unnecessary loss of lymph nodes. Wondering if any other members diagnosed with a small high-grade DCIS have been given this choice and if so, what did you decide?

lumpectomy
lymph nodes

2 Replies

Sort By
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    13 hours ago

    So sorry to see you joining our select little group ThinLizzy​  ... but you're in the right spot to read up on others' experiences and decisions ..... 

    I had some nodes removed & tested at the same time as my lumpectomy and they came back clear, thank goodness.  I think that most of us would have gone down the same track - having it done at the same time as the surgery.  Apart from the need for another anaesthetic ....  Normally your initial biopsy would identify whether your DCIS was invasive (or not) at the same time as being diagnosed as DCIS, so quite surprised that it wasn't!  

    This diagnosis really mucks with your brain - and personally, I would suggest that you have the node biopsy at the same time as the surgery.  The 'wait' for the pathology results post op - can be quite scary - and trust me, you don't want to go thru 'the wait' twice if it can be avoided.

    We have hundreds of lymph nodes in the body - and their job is to help fight infections & can become 'train stations' for cancer cells to 'sit & wait' until they catch the next train & travel around the body!   So having 2 or 3 removed for checking that the cancer hasn't already travelled, is a good thing to do, early.

    Check out Charlotte Tottman's podcasts on her own cancer story - she is a specialist cancer psychologist who was diagnosed herself with BC and had a double mastectomy, choosing to remain flat.   She 'thought' she knew what most of the 'procedure' would be - so was surprised when she had similar reactions to her own clients ... and she talks you thru it, what to expect.  She is very easy to listen to & you can choose which ones to listen to 
    What You Don't Know Until You Do ....
    http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

    Also, feel free to check out this thread that has a lot of useful information leading up to your surgery next week - and a lot of other info about the forum.  Also, there are some 'tick sheets' that you can print out & fill in, to check how you are going mentally and physically.  I'd also suggest that you record all your appointments  so that you can go over them later - as it is difficult to remember everything that is said at the time! Also go with a trusted friend, as a 2nd set of ears!  ;)
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737

    Take care & all the best with your decision making

    • ThinLizzy's avatar
      ThinLizzy
      Member
      12 hours ago

      Thanks so much for your advice and those links! 
      My initial core biopsy detected no invasion but apparently high grade DCIS is more likely to be invasive and may not be detected on the biopsy. 

      Great advice regarding the recording of consultations!