DCIS - younger women

L0stris

I'm 37 years old, just diagnosed with DCIS. I'll be having a lumpectomy (wide excision) and have seen two surgeons who both recommended a course of RT. I'm not keen on rad but I understand it is necessary to reduce the risk of recurrence/new invasive cancer in that breast. Just wondering if anyone who had RT under 40 has had any lasting health issues from the rad, recurrences, other ways it impacted your life. I've spoken to a couple women IRL but they were all over 40. Only interested in hearing from those <40.

TIA for any advice!

buttonsmachine

I've had two courses of rads: at age 33 and then again at 34. Rads was okay for me. Easier than surgery or chemo. No long-term effects yet, but it hasn't been that long. Hopefully more people will chime in. Be very diligent with your skin care during rads. Also, make sure you stretch, and use your arm gently but normally. Things will tend to tighten up over time, and you want to maintain your normal range of motion. My PT said it's important to do that indefinitely, really. Just my experience, but I hope that helps.

L0stris

Yes, that's very helpful. Thank you! Your journey sounds very tough, I hope you are doing well now.

jacks24

I am 45 and was diagnosed with DCIS in my left breast this past June. I just met with my surgeons today about my plan. I am having a lumpectomy and a reduction in one breast. About a month after that I will start radiation. About 3-6 months later I will have the second reduction done. I was thinking this was going to be a walk in the park... now I'm seeing that I was VERY wrong! I am very concerned about the effects of radiation on my body and my overall well being. My first surgery is scheduled for Sept 10. This is a long and scary journey, even with DCIS!!!

Jackie