What should I do??

sn75

I have DCIS in my right breast - 3cm, ER/PR positive. I met with the oncologist this week and discussed options. She sent me in for genetic testing that day because of my age - 43 - very limited health history of females on my dad's side, and prostate cancer with my paternal grandfather. I meet with a plastic surgeon this week and have my next appointment with the oncologist on May 7 to discuss genetic results and what to do.

I'm leaning towards double mx with reconstruction. I don't want to do radiation and hormones if I don't have to. I'm also a worrier and don't want to stress about what I could or should have done. I read too many stories of women who are back a few years down the road with a recurrence.

Am I being too drastic? And if I do have a double mx, what are the pros and cons of implants vs flap surgeries?

MBPooch

This sounds so similar to my diagnosis last October. I also had genetic testing as I was 46, met with oncologist, breast surgeon and plastic surgeon all early on. Not sure why but I felt very strongly from the get go that I would do a BMX and didn't waver on that for a second. After my MRI indicated two additional masses (both were benign), one being in my healthy breast it was the icing on the cake. I just didn't want to second guess every little thing and wanted to reduce my chances of a reoccurrence as much as possible. I also didn't want rads or to take tamoxifen not knowing long term effects or the side effects I would experience.

I also knew I wanted immediate reconstruction whether it was expanders or direct to implant. I was able to go the direct to implant route which was nice because it eliminated the need for another surgery. The recovery was not as bad as I thought it would be and a great option to explore if you're a candidate.