BMX with DCIS - Do you feel like it's over?

lmnop35

I have DCIS and have not fully decided on a treatment option, but am strongly leaning towards the BMX. I'm curious for those of you that had this procedure with DCIS only, do you feel like your risk is gone? I know it's never 100%, but I'm trying to find some light at the end of the tunnel I guess. I've tested negative for the BRCA gene. I'm only 35 and I'd like to think I can put this truly behind me and live the rest of my life.

kcshreve

I hope you are reading the many other excellent contributions made on other threads regarding DCIS.  Personally, I had a nipple-sparing bmx with immediate diep in response to DCIS.  I'm 50 and my focus was less on the end result, but more on an effective decision and moving on, too.  When I looked at recurrence rates, that made a difference to me.  Five year survival rates between mx and lumpectomies are similar.  Ten year recurrence rates are not the same at all - something like 15-20% for lumpectomy (per my BS) vs about 2% for mastectomy.  After doing the bmx and diep, I'm stunned at how forward looking I feel.  I honestly did not think it would be that way, but it is.  Once the cancer part is taken care of, and your pathology report gives you an "all clear", there is some adjusting, but you realize that you now have permission to move forward.  For me, the details are all related to plastic surgery now, not cancer.  After saying all this, I knew in my heart from the get-go that a bmx was the way I needed to go.  It was the only decision which gave me peace.  Others choose differently, and their "peace" is found in a different spot.  Go with your gut.  Spend time on it.  It will become clear to you.  As far as feeling like my "risk is gone" - not entirely, no.  I've certainly educated myself on recurrence rates and being predisposed to cancers.  Also, I'm reading The China Study, so I can understand any diet/cancer research.  I feel that I have many questions which are still not answered.  I think it takes time for our hearts to settle.  We've had a shock.  We don't just bounce and move on with the snap of a finger.  Best wishes to you as you process.  -KC

KAR

Imnop: Yes I do feel like my risks for breast cancer are close to gone.  But having said that Im still concerned that my crazy body might want to create some ca somewhere else.  I think its hard to ever feel totally normal after a ca diagnosis (even DCIS).  I just had my 6mo follow up post mx and my surgeon said I still need to do self breast exams but thats it.  She said it was very unlikely that I would have a recurrence since I did the max for the minimum.  I was angered by her comment, but know in my heart I made the right decision for me.  My age definitely came into play when I choose BMX.  I did'nt  want to worry about going through this again ( I was 40).   I choose to be thankful that my breast cancer was found early, not that I was unlucky to have been diagnosed at a relatively young age.  (does that make since?)  

Best of luck to you

lvtwoqlt

I agree with the others. I was first diagnosed at age 45 with ADH (pre-cancer) in my left breast and had lumpectomy to remove the ADH. My surgeon put me on 6 month mammo and CBE. 18 months later I was again diagnosed with ADH but in my right breast. My surgeon suggested I consider PBM because of the contra-lateral dx of ADH as well as family history of Breast cancer (mom) and ovarian cancer (aunt) and put me on tamoxifen. 6 months later, I was once again presented with abnormal mammogram again on the right breast that tested DCIS. I was just past my 46 birthday and wanted off this rollercoaster ride. The path report from the surgery showed no additional DCIS in the right breast but did show more ADH in both breasts that didn't show up on the mammo. I feel relieved that there wasn't any more cancer as well as doing all I could to keep this ugly monster from rearing it's ugly head again. Sure my risk isn't 100% I won't get dx with BC again but I am happy with the 1 - 2 % risk that my surgeon gave me.  About a year after my surgery, my surgeon left the area (but is still within 75 miles) and said that I didn't need to see a surgeon except for my PS once a year, but if I did have any other problems, I could transfer my records to his new practice and he would see me.

Sheila

lila3357

i envy the courage you had to make that decision.  i am still very much on the roller coaster and i wonder if i will become brave enough to go there.  My first diagnosis was 2 areas in the left breast. I was told then that if there was an indication of any relationship btw the 2 quadrants that a single MX would be recommended.  The results indicated DCIS and ADH and therefore a lumpectomy and radiation, tamoxifen was the chosen treatment.  Next follow up 6months later..found ADH on the right side...so lumpectomy no radiaiton followed and i am under close watch.  March will be my next follow up and I am just very nervous about it.  SO I give you all alot of credit for actually making the decision to get off the roller coaster and move forward

jeaniept

Hi--I was diagnosed with DCIS in June 2009. Stage 0--I never knew there was such a thing. I went to two doctors, the second one at Sloan-Kettering, and both recommended a mastectomy. (I had cancer in one breast only.) The doctor at Sloan advised strongly, "For the highest chance of survival," mastectomy was the way to go. I had the mastectomy at Sloan in August 2009, with placement of a tissue expander at the same time. I just had the expander out (Feb 2), and one of the new "gummy bear" implants put in. They have a teardrop shape so very closely mimic a natural breast. The best choice, in my opinion, when you are having a bilateral mastectomy. My "new" breast is so close in size and shape to my natural one, I don't think anyone will notice when tank top weather comes. : ) I have *never* looked back, never regretted my decision. I am cancer-free. Of course I will forever be vigilant about my other breast, but I choose not to live in fear of cancer. For now, it's licked, and I am happily on the road to recovery. It took courage that I never knew I had, and I am a much stronger, wiser woman now. PS--My experience at Sloan was incredible....100% positive. I could have gone to a doctor closer, but once I set foot in Sloan I knew it was the place for me. It was a hassle sometimes, getting there, but it was well worth it. Best of luck, you'll do fine...