Need help re: Sis-in-laws' DCIS Diagnosis

joaniemacaroni

Hello all, and thanks in advance for any info you can share.  My dear sister-in-law told me last night that a recent biopsy revealed DCIS.  She's scheduled to see her dr. next week to get more info and to discuss treatment.  Based on previous conversations with her dr (and with a second dr. she visited for a second opinion), she believes the doc will recommend a mastectomy, which, of course, terrifies her.  I urged her to learn all she can about treatment options and to find a support group, but she's not a "computer person" and wants to courageously go through this on her own (with hubby's support).  I don't believe she knows yet what the type and grade of her cancer is.  She lives in the greater Wash. D.C. area, and has a strong family history of breast cancer.  Many, many thanks.

CoolBreeze

DCIS is always stage 0, so that is good news for her.  Doctors consider it more of a pre-cancer than a cancer, but since they have no way of knowing which ones will become invasive, they have to treat it aggressively, which sucks for the DCIS girls.

She may not need a mastectomy at all if her DCIS is localized.  Have they done an MRI on her?  She should request a lumpectomy if it's possible.  Since her diisease can't spread beyond the duct, she will not need any chemo or anything.  Typical treatment is lumpectomy and radiation or mastectomy alone.

I'll never understand people who don't want to get online and do research.    I'm sure she can find a support group in her area if that's the way she prefers to do things.  Maybe you can find one for her - the American Cancer Society is a good starting point.

joaniemacaroni

Thank you, CoolBreeze and Layne.  I've shared this information with my SIL.  I very much appreciate your responding to my post.

Joanie

thelootlady

Hi Joanie,

I too have a sis in law with cancer - which is now stage IV.  To support her.. my family helps with her children.  She is an amazing mom.. so knowing they are being looked after with family..just gives her a bit of peace so she can concentrate on herself.. whether it is just sleeping or resting or puking (I am afraid.. vomitting has been awful for her and it is loud.. they call it Mommies monster noises). 

Talkings.. staying informed yourself as a support and yes.. great advice that someone be with her at appointments.  There is a lot of info coming her way.  

All my best wishes for her and your whole family.