Recent Diagnosis of DCIS

sn75

I was recently diagnosed on April 5 with DCIS. My MRI breast biopsy results stated the following:

DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU (DCIS), INTERMEDIATE TO HIGH NUCLEAR GRADE, CRIBRIFORM AND COMEDO PATTERNS.

MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION:
Sections show intermediate to high grade DCIS with calcifications. No unequivocal invasive carcinoma is seen. There is also atypical lobular hyperplasia and flat epithelial atypia in a background of fibrocystic changes including cysts and microcysts with apocrine metaplasia, sclerosing adenosis, columnar cell change and hyperplasia, and patchy fibroelastosis.

Estrogen Receptor Positive 2-3+ 50 Favorable
Progesterone Receptor Positive 2-3+ 50 Favorable
HER-2/Neu HercepTest N/A N/A N/A N/A

I have my first oncologist appointment on April 23rd to discuss the results and treatment options. It is in my right breast and about 3cm in size. They say my left breast is fine, but there is now always that worry about it going to this side. I've been doing lots of reading on line about different courses of action to take, and I am of course, an emotional mess at the moment.

First, can anyone share some thoughts with me about my diagnosis? Secondly, while I have yet to meet with the doc, what are some possible treatments that will work in the long run? I am 43 years and don't want to worry about this down the road. I'm leaning more towards a single mastectomy with reconstruction, but now I'm thinking of doing a bilateral and get them both done. I also have questions about FLAP reconstruction vs. implants.

I'd love any thoughts you can share! It's been a long, stress week of crying and worry...

Moderators

Hi sn75 and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but we're really glad you found us. You're sure to find our Community an incredible source of information, advice, and support. Someone will surely be by shortly to weigh in with their thoughts and experiences.

In the meantime, there are some pages on the main Breastcancer.org site that you might find helpful:

• Treatment for DCIS
• Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis, which walks through each piece of your path report, including hormone receptor and HER2 status, and what it means.
• Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Your Diagnosis
• Types of Breast Reconstruction, which explains in detail and photos the different types of reconstruction, including Flap surgeries and implants, along with risks to keep in mind and what to expect.

We hope this helps and we look forward to hearing more from you soon!

--The Mods

tlfrank

I would push for an MRI to be sure that all of it was found before making any decisions. I did not get one and I can't shake the underlying fear that we've missed some. I opted for lumpectomy and radiation because I wasn't ready for the consequences of a BMX (total loss of sensation for one), when it doesn't remove the risk of recurrence any more than lumpectomy & RADS do. Now that I've done it, if it comes back, RADS is off the table and I have no idea what my options will be. BMX, keeps RADs in play in the event of a recurrence.

Having said that, each of us has to make the decision that we feel will give us the most comfort. Best wishes to you on this difficult journey. You'll find tons of support and information here on these boards.

Lolo62

Iam in the same boat! Got diagnosed May 23rd. With DCIS. I have an MRI with contrast on May 3Oth and meeting with the Surgeon on the 31st. I am frantically researching this it's so controversial doctors and pathologist don't even agree. What have you learned

Moderators

Lolo - Sorry you had to join us but we're glad to see that you found our amazing Community, welcome! We know you'll find lots of answers here. Pease let us know how it goes on next appointments.

Best wishes,

The Mods

Daizy07

Lolo

I often remind myself to breathe! Glad to hear you are getting an MRI and have follow up appointments scheduled so quickly. When I was first diagnosed I was told it was micro invasive, AND told to hold all questions til I received a call back, since he was just a radiologist and could not answer any specific questions!! Then a few day later a call to say, that it might only be DCIS. Then silence. I stepped out on my own and paid out of pocket to speak with a breast oncologist specialist, so I could at least get some questions answered, I was going crazy!

Original Dr. said general surgeon would do lumpectomy and bing bang, all done. Specialist ordered MRI w/contrast, which showed 2 other suspicious spots, which put me at a cross road. Investigate/biopsy the other two areas and re evaluate or MX. This is all a very personal journey and decision, you must do what is comfortable for you. I'll share my thought process that I took to get to my decision to MX. My 1st biopsy experience was quite an ordeal, so the prospect of having two more areas investigated was not appealing. If the two areas were also DCIS, too much tissue would need to be removed so lumpectomy would not be an option. For my peace of mind, I elected for RMX and vowed no regrets. End pathology showed two areas were precancerous original area of concern for sure DCIS, so 'fantastic' decision to MX (quote from my specialist). Without that MRI who knows how my path would have been. Now I am entering into the reconstruction journey, so many questions, concerns, horror stories and conflicting information, it is a daunting process!

Write down questions and don't forget to take them with you to your appointment. As what if's ie: what if I only do lumpectomy, what are follow up treatments? What if I have MX or BMX? Use resources like this to help discuss and gain insight, but also remember that not all information is relevant to you and your personal situation.

Whome08

Recently diagnosed with DCIS, Stage 0, LB. A bit of a shock since my RO believed it to be a fibroid. Had contrast MRI yesterday and met with surgeon last Tuesday. Very small 9mm. Course of treatment will be lumpectomy at the end of the month and radiation to follow. Medication is not necessary.

A bit anxious about the radiation. . I don't want to feel crappy. It has taken a while to wrap my head around it all. I know my prognosis is good, but I still get very anxious at times. I am glad to have found a site where women understand how I feel.

nonomimi5

Whome08,

I started radiation this week and finished 3 of the 16 sessions of accelerated rad therapy. My skin looks great, so far, but last night, I was knocked out and i slept for almost 9 hours today and could have slept more until my husband woke me up. Initially, I was stressed out by the process as I too have travel plans to take son to college tours and college baseball showcases. I will be done by 6/21 and will be able to keep all the plans we made. I am worried about how tired I may be after the total sessions, and worried about the SE of hormone therapy, but I will figure out a way to manage it when the time comes. Ask if you qualify for the accelerated radiation if you are interested.

LOLO- I was happy to get lumpectomy and at each step, some doors open and close re: the best treatments for you. Unless they take out the actual tumor and get it sent for biopsy and Oncotype DX genome testing, you really don't know if you need radiation or chemo. I was fortunate to have Oncotype 17, which is border line low, so did not need chemo. Now we are analyzing my hormone level and bone density to see which medication I need after radiation. There are various medication based on weather you are pre menopause, or post menopause.

I know it helps to figure out the entire game plan, but there are many variables and you will need to at least get your MRI results to take the next step. Consult with couple of different drs if it helps. And we are all here for you as well.

Good luck,

Mimi

Tess1962

Your case and mine are nearly identical. I start accelerated radiation this week. No chemo...i really am not looking forward to the fatigue but glad it's only 4 weeks. I'm feeling very blessed. I'm post menopausal...waiting to get my bone density test results this Thursday as well as meeting with the genetics counselor. My onco score was low but I haven't heard the number yet.

Have a great week!