dcis

Celinda

In dec 2017 was diagnosed with dcis in left breast after biopsy. Was advised to have lumpectomy. After surgery was told that it was a carcinoma. Had lots of pain and scar tissue in beast. Advised dr. She said it would go away with time. When I returned for follow up in July after surgery mammogram revealed I had microcalcifications grade 3 in this same breast and was told I needed a mastectomy. I am still in shock and scared out of my mind how could this show up six months since my last mammogram. I am scheduled for surgery next Tuesday and I’m considering bilateral mastectomy. I don’t anyone that has had to have a mastectomy because of dcis.

Moderators

HI Celinda, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

We're so sorry you find yourself here, but we're really glad you've found us. We know this is a scary time for you, but rest assured that you're in the best place to get information, advice, and support. We're all here for you! We're sure someone will be by soon to share their experiences and knowledge, but we wanted to stop by to say hi and welcome.

We look forward to hearing more from you soon!

--The Mods

I_Spy

Hi Celinda,

That is exactly what happened to me... well close. I had DCIS and I had a lumpectomy. At the six month follow up mammogram, they found numerous other suspicious growths, and they said I had to have another lumpectomy in order to remove the new growths and look at them. Because I have a family history of breast cancer, I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy (BMX). I'm glad I did -- they found LCIS in the other breast that hadn't shown up on any imaging.

The decision on whether to have a BMX or a lumpectomy is a very personal one. My breast surgeon told me that they've done a study and found that regardless of the decision, whether lumpectomy or BMX, women are happy with their decision. Isn't that strange? I think it's because just making the decision and sticking to it makes you feel better. There are several threads on here where women discuss the pros and cons of each, and it can even get a little bit heated. Here is the bottom line: You're not choosing between Disneyland or Six Flags. You're not going to go "Woohoo! Yippeeee! I'm going to have a _____ (BMX or lumpectomy)!" They both suck.

The good news is that with DCIS you have some time to think about it. It's not like you have to rush into surgery.

And as far as why it came back: it could be they didn't get it all, or it could be that it was hiding, or it could be that your boob likes to grow things (mine did). No point in wondering why. Do your research and come up with a plan on what to do now.

And keep us posted!

AnxiousMary

Hello everyone. Having surgery on August 20th and as I get closer I'm feeling very anxious to the point I can't sleep, about the blue dye they give you to locate the lymph nodes and the wire incisions. Has anyone had these? Also, after reading some of your stories on here.....feeling a bit guilty that mine is in it's early stages. Just need to know what's happening on Monday...any info would be appreciated.

Sunshine1970

hello, I was diagnosed with dcis and have 8cm of microcalcifications, she couldn't remove it all during the lumpectomy. It's only in my left breast,but I am doing a bilateral mastectomy Sept 12th. I also opted for No reconstructive surgery at this time. You can get it at any time. With reconstruction the % of it coming back is higher. They will also be checking my lymph nodes in my armpit to see if it has spread there. I pray it hasn't. But she did say she will know alot more when all the pathology from the mastectomy comes back.

It's so overwhelming and I am scared to death. I hope that you have a great support system. And I pray everything goes good for you..