Indecisive

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