37 years old Diagnosed today with DCIS, MRI tomorrow

anxious_to_the_max

so today is the day it all happened. Started in May , Bleeding from single nipple duct, mammogram (benign changes) ultrasound (benign changes), biopsy (nothing), fluid drained from same area (nothing), swab of nipple discharge (nothing), and then last Thursday removal of duct that is bleeding - DCIS.

Now MRI tomorrow, god knows what that will show but my automatic response is aggressive treatment (double mastectomy) with immediate reconstruction. As you can imagine I trust no test they will ever do on me ever again!

Im 37 with three children, great career. I want symmetrical breasts and no fear of cancer every day for the rest of my life.

Extreme???

I've seen some posts from others who have gone down this path. Would love to hear from anyone really.

Freya244117

Hi, a very comprehensive post from Beesie on the options. It really is a great starting point. Scroll down the page a bit to find it.

Good luck.

AbbyG

Hi Anxious! I'm so sorry you've gotten this news. There is no "one right" decision, it is entirely personal, but just know that this site has been a wealth of info and support. I had BMX and immediate recon, and I don't regret my decision; my mom had a lumpectomy and radiation and doesn't regret hers. It's all up to you, but we're here for you! (((Hugs))

Lula73

hi Anxious- similar situation with unreliable tests- mammo picked up microcalcifications in left breast, more mammo with biopsy, scheduled for lumpectomy then radiologist said morning of lumpectomy were not doing this without MRI first, MRI then BAM! Cancer found in right breast. Hard to trust the tests after that. Opted for skin & nipple sparing Bilateral mastectomy with immediate natural tissue reconstruction. So very glad I chose this path. And the girls look and feel great-soft and warm and natural! Idon't think I've ever been more at peace with a decision as I am with this one. Let me know if you have any questions about natural tissue recon vs implant recon

MinusTwo

I had DCIS and BMX with tissue expanders placed. 6 months later I had exchange for anatomical silicone implants. Other than the lack of stimulation, I am very pleased with the results.

anxious_to_the_max

Thanks everyone for your responses. I didn't even know there were options for type of reconstruction or if I can elect mastectomy with early DCIS........

It's a very personal decision as everyone says so I better start reading.

My surgeon may say lumpectomy, but my breasts are small and I don't know if that's even going to be possible.

MRI was hideous. I wonder what it will show?

Why would you choose one type of recon over the other? I just assumed silicon. But now there are more things to think about.

Why did you choose what you did? Thanks so much

I keep thinking maybe I don't have BC. Maybe it's a mistake. But the path report says DCIS so I guess I do.

Sunrisefish

Hi Anxious, I was diagnosed in 2015 with IDS. I had lumpectomy and radiation at that time. A year ago I felt a lump in the same breast. The ultrasound and mammogram were negative. Had a MRI in Dec also negative. I finally insisted they take the lump out this spring and it was my original cancer back. Even the MRI missed it. I just had skin and nipple sparing BMX in May with anatomical implants with Alloderm. Alloderm helps with radiated tissue as does fat grafting. Iimplants are a much easier procedure than natural tissue, however you may need subsequent surgeries. You may with natural tissue as well. Pros and cons to both. You will have to look into it. There is no right decision, and you have choices. There are women on these boards who are happy with both implants and natural tissue. Most of us do fine either way. I am happy with my implants and wanted the least invasive surgery possible. I figure if they fail I always have the option for natural tissue surgery. I have healed with no complications and I have full feeling in the skin of both breasts.

Lula73

I knew I would at least investigate natural tissue recon from the start. In the end it came down to warm, soft, natural looking breasts that would move and age with me vs cold, not as soft, nearly immovable implants that will need to be replaced at least once in my lifetime with high probability of implant complications due to my previous medical history. Yes natural tissue is a bigger surgery and yes it has a longer recovery than implants (just by a couple weeks).However when I look at my results and my husband looks at them and feels them and they look and feel like my originals I'm very happy with the path I chose.

Newtobr

sorry for your news. I am in the same boat 37 years old diagnosed with dcis.

Moderators

Newtobr,

Warm welcome to you as well to our amazing Community here at Breastcancer.org. We are so sorry you have to be here, but really glad you found us. You're sure to find this space and incredible source of support, information, and advice. We're all here for you!

Please keep us posted on your situation and treatment. We look forward to hearing more from you soon!

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