Did I make the correct decision?

Justkeepmoving

DCIS diagnosed 5/22 and was given options of lumpectomy with rads, single mastectomy or double mastectomy. I feel like I came to the decision of double mastectomy without reviewing numbers or looking at the evidence (where are those other spots? Are they near the chest wall?)... What would lumpectomy with radiation give me compared with mastectomy?

I feel like I jumped to this decision (double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction) without reviewing the numbers and that data. That everyone is assuming this is the best thing...

My surgery is in less than 2 weeks. I met with my breast surgeon a second time and I think I asked her these things but I don't remember. I don't think so...

I want concrete numbers. I want to hear that doing X is best

Texasmom123

I was given similar options. All the docs I saw suggested BMX since I had a high chance of recurrence.

MBPooch

Only you know what is the best decision for you, the one that will make you feel the most confident. When I was diagnosed last October I never gave another option a thought. I knew immediately I would constantly worry before every check up and second guess anything and everything that didn't feel or look right. I opted for BMX with direct to implant and haven't regretted my decision for a second. Recovery was not as bad as I thought it might be. I had my 6 month check up yesterday and was given a clean bill of health and told recurrence is less than 2%. My new boobs look almost identical to my old ones, everything fits the same and as each day goes by that phase of my life becomes more of a distant memory. You will get through this, wishing you all the best!

Justkeepmoving

thank you

For me I wanted to make this decision (all decisions!) based on numbers and logic.

I reviewed my situation again with my amazing sister in law and I concluded again that this is the correct treatment. I will discuss my plan again with my oncologistjust to set myself at ease.

I just don't want to run to a decision based on emotion...

Xoxoxox

Jelson

whoa! you don't have to rush with this, if you can't remember what you asked, much less the answers, you need to slow down. You may very well come to the exact same decision, but you will have more confidence going forward if you know the pros and cons of the alternatives for you individually. Ask to speak with your breast surgeon about your concerns. you are having trouble processing all the informaion. is there you a nurse navigator at your hospital with whom you can speak? with whomever you speak, write down your questions before hand, tick them off one by one as you discuss them, bring someone with you and/or record the answers on your cell phone so you can review at home.best of luck to you.

Lula73

Regardless of what the stats say, you need to go with the decision that leaves you with a feeling of peace. At the end of the day, that is what matters. I knew from the moment the IDC diagnosis came in that BMX with natural tissue recon was the path that I would take. It was the only option that made me feel confident in my decision. No intensive monitoring, less risk of recurrence vs lumpectomy w/rads, no skin/tissue damage/tightening from rads,... just remove them and give me new ones that look and feel natural. Had BMX with immediate DIEP 4 weeks after official diagnosis. No regrets.

Justkeepmoving

thank you

When I logically review the information I feel more comfortable with my decision. The thing is I WANT the double mastectomy for peace of mind but I was worried that this decision was being made with my "feelings" instead of logic and math

I'm so grateful for the support I receive on this site - I hope I can be supportive and helpful to someone on here.

nonomimi5

I think you're doing the right thing. Good luck and sending prayers your way for the surgery.

1toughmomma

Good luck! I am 4 1/2 years out left mastectomy for DCIS, BRCA neg. I think it's hard to know what the best decision is because you can only make a decision based on the information you have at the time. I thought mastectomy for DCIS was a pretty big treatment for a pretty low malignancy potential cancer-but mine was like a DCIS pepper shaker...little bits all over the place. Each with the possibility of turning ugly. I was dead set against bilateral mastectomy because it was not needed. I am now awaiting a call back from my doctor because I have persistent nipple discharge on my right. Today I am kicking myself for keeping the breast. When I hear "all is well" I won't care as much. Bottom line: trust your gut, ask questions, make a decision, forgive yourself if after all is said and done you regret it. No one should have to make these decisions, but you can only do the best you can. . Hugs.

Justkeepmoving

wow -- that is tough! I hope everything works out!

Yes - you totally understand. DCIS!? Total bilateral mastectomy!? What the heck? Am I a fool? But when I run the facts over it all makes sense...

I realize now that a lot of all this is accepting what is happening and just going forward. To stop kicking and screaming and whining that this isn't what is supposed to be happening - and to be grateful that I have the ability to do something about this. Heck - if I had brain cancer I can't very well take out my brain! And yes total mastectomy may seem like overkill but it solvesmy problem and I don't have time to waste on this anymore... Get it done and move on

Please keep us informed about the other breast! I had discharge from my DCIS breast

Let's hope it's a benign condition

Xoxoxo

Puzzlewoman

I also had similar diagnosis and presented with the options of lumpectomy or mastectomy, but I very much did not want a mastectomy at my age (41), but that is what is right for me. You will make the best decision for you, just don’t let anyone rush you. 😊 I have found this site to be full of wonderful supportive people