Recurrence of DCIS

Torregrosa

In 1999 I was diagnosed with DCIS, had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment in my left breast. Last November 2015, in my last mammogram there was a suspicious lesion in the same breast. After magnifying the mammogram I had a stereotactic biopsy and the pathology results read DCIS, a recurrence that I never expected. One of the surgeon's recommendation is having a lumpectomy and have my breast reconstructed. Since I already received radiotherapy, that area cannot be irradiated again. The other option is having a unilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I was referred to a plastic surgeon and since I already had radiotherapy, an implant is not an option. He suggested a TRAM Flap. After I made research on this procedure, this option is not emotionally right for me. I am 66 years old and I know that I will not endure the process of recuperation and the possible complications. Next week I am seeing my breast surgeon and talk this over with him. I am not sure about having a lumpectomy only since breast tissue will remain with this procedure and I am afraid of another recurrence. The lesion is very small; I had the BRCA I and BRCA II and I am not a carrier of the gene that predisposes for breast cancer.

Jelson

right after I finished radiation for dcis I spoke with a woman who I had known to be a long time bc survivor, it turns out she had just had a mastectomy for a recurrence - 20 years out. She was quite philosophical about it, had had 20 great years and was ok with the fact that this second round, while invasive, was caught at an early stage. I guess that conversation prepared me from the get-go for the real possibility of dealing with bc again. In any event, here is a recent bco thread discussing a study about recurrence https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/73/topics... and I don't mean to sound like a crazy lady - BUT, I listen to Dr. Radio on SiriusXM while I drive. The doctors from NYU Medical Center in NYC talk on a variety of topics. This afternoon I caught part of a plastic surgery show where they were focusing on breast reconstruction - one caller in particular was concerned about reconstruction of her radiated breast. The two doctors talked about their successes with fat grafting specifically in radiated breasts - the grafted tissue made a difference! stem cells! great improvements. They also counseled several callers who had complex problems to make sure that the "breast surgeon" was actually a plastic surgeon who specialized in breasts, one who performed many breast reconstructions and could competently perform a variety of procedures tailored to the patient's needs.

Moderators

Torregrossa, welcome to Breastcancer.org. We are sorry to hear that you are going through this. This is really a difficult and personal decision. You may want to look at the different reconstruction options here: Reconstruction Types. Understandably, this is personal, but some women opt for no reconstruction and use Prosthetics. Take a look here; Prosthetics: An Alternative to Reconstruction. We wish you much luck on making this tough decision, and hope that others can share their experiences.

BethL

Sorry you're dealing with a recurrence. I too had a recurrence a few months ago in the same breast. I had a lumpectomy and radiation 10 years ago. It was true that radiation wasn't done on a previously irradiated breast in the past but new research says it can be done in most cases. My surgical oncologist consulted with the radiation oncologist I had 10 years ago and he said he has reirradiated many patients without complications. While it was offered to me, in the end I chose mastectomy but if you're interested you may want to seek another opinion or ask about it. You may be eligible for partial breast radiation too, which is less damaging. There is an article floating around that speaks to the study related to reirradiation. I will see if I can find it.

Also I am going through expansion reconstruction on a radiated breast. Knock on wood so far so good. I'm half way through the process. I am at a higher risk for expansion failure but felt it was worth a try. My plastic surgeon says he has good results in patients like us. I didn't have skin sparring, but maybe that's an option for you? Either way the tram is a big surgery. You honestly may need to get a second opinion. There are other options such as diep. Check out the reconstruction thread.

BlueHeron

Torregrossa,

I'm so sorry you are dealing with a recurrance. Just piping in to say that I had to have mastectomy due to widespread suspicious areas, and I chose no reconstruction. There is a whole forum here for women who have chosen the same, it might give you more info,and another option.

The decision parts of this disease are just the worst!