So many questions -- Dx both breasts

Chinoiserie

Hi All,

I was diagnosed Jan 3 with DCIS, high grade (comedo necrosis I think is the term) but there is very little of it.  I find myself to be in the unusual (leave it to me!) position of being diagnosed with two areas -- one in the right breast at 5 mm and one in the left at 4mm.  Docs keep saying this is unusual but I don't know what that means and my reading hasn't turned up much either.   Has anyone had this circumstance?   I am in that stage where I have come out of shock at the diagnosis of cancer and consider myself very lucky, but at the same time very confused on making this decision to go lumpectomies with rads and tamoxifen or bilateral mastectomies.   The wonderful staff and drs. have told me to take my time and I did get a 2nd opinion and feel I am in now in wonderful hands at a university teaching hospital.  They have also said the decision will come clear and you know you've made it when you feel at peace and ready to move on but I can't see actually BEING there.  I have an appt. with a plastic surgeon on Feb. 4.   Is there anyone out there in this same situation or with any helpful advice?   Thank you all so much, this site has already been a blessing!

Gully

Hi Chin,

Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that you are not alone in this situation. See my dx line below. I had synchronous bilateral BC, both IDC one 7mm the other 1.2 cm. The larger one we knew about. The smaller one in the other breast was only discovered after BMX surgery. Surprise!! Mammo, and US both missed it. Treatment is a personal decision. I personally went with the BMX so I would not have to suffer through any more mammos. Had been doing them since my early 30's very painful for me. DX at 45. I also did not have to do radiation because of it. There are draw backs though. You must carefully weigh your options. I have silicone implants inserted underneath the pectoral muscles. I had to go to PT two rounds to get my range of motion back. I am still working on the chest strength. Also the obvious lack of sensation across the chest is something to think about. It really boils down to what you are comfortable living with. Good luck with your decision.

Chinoiserie

Thank you Gully -- you must have had strong family history to start having mamms in early 30s?   I just read an article saying that synchronous bilateral breast disease (thank you for the term, I didn't even know THAT!)   hasn't been proven to have any genetic link, that it's 'controversial' and I don't have ANY family history of BC.   However when I asked in the surgeon's office if this is something I need to worry about being passed down they said I could do the genetic test.  I took the saliva test and they sent it off and the lab called to tell me my insurance said I was not a candidate for it.   The nurse had said the fact that I had bilateral was enough for insurance to cover it.   Confused?   yes!!    Three weeks ago I had never heard of DCIS and now I find myself having to become a scholar on the subject...but I guess that is the way it is for everyone.   Thank you for your reply, I appreciate it!