Just Diagnosed with 3rd Recurrence of DCIS in 3 Years!!

Glamazon125

Hey All,

I have surfed this site for several years and I have finally registered for an account. I learned so much from the site and I appreciate it so much.

My original DCIS DX was in May 2015. I had the classic clinical symptoms of a leaking nipple and a palpable lump (6+cm). I was able to have a Skin-Sparing Mastectomy and TRAM Flap Reconstruction done (same day) in July of that year. Since I took the "fairly aggressive" approach to dealing with the DCIS - I thought I was free and clear with my 1-3% chance of recurrence.

Fast forward to May 2017 - I noticed a couple "Peas" popped up on my reconstructed breast in the same general location as my original lump.I had a U/S and was inconclusive. I avoided a biopsy until August when my "peas" were now perched atop a jumbo size marshmallow. I did more tests at that time and I got the DX in September and opted to just do a lumpectomy in October (to avoid destroying the reconstruction) and then I did 28 rounds of radiation which completed in February 2018. The recurrence was still over 5.5 cms by the time we dug it out.

August 2018 - my Rads oncologist booked a F/U MRI and they "saw" something. Shortly thereafter I realized I had some "ridges" that I could feel about 3cm below my lumpectomy line. Punchline - it is DCIS again. Diagnosed again in less that 8 months from my last radiation dose.

All three times I had very close margins and indications of micro-invasion (and ER PR+ was tested the second time).

Suffice to say that I am a fairly rare case (although I appreciate there are folks on this site who have been in this boat). Right now the ridge has enlarged. I am hoping it is just swelling/trauma from the core biopsy - but based on past experience, my lumps grow exponentially with my periods.The surgeon has already indicated that she will be taking it all anyway.

I see my plastic surgeon next week, but in the meantime, I am contemplating the options for reconstruction. The skin has got to go in one form or another... the question is how.

Does anyone have any experience with reconstructing a reconstruction? Since the radiation ship has sailed, I might consider an implant now - but evening up with my original breast on the right seems like a challenge? I did chat with one PS who mentioned I could probably do a LAT Flap inside the TRAM... but wow, that seems intense. Also my BS suggested just taking off the skin and leaving the TRAM... but to me this sounds completely horrifying. I don't know why?

I am 40 years old and generally in good health (well, except for this 3* DCIS business).

Just looking for some support or thoughts or anything from the crowd!

Moderators

Glamazon125, first, we are glad that this site has been helpful to you!

We are very sorry to hear that you are going through this a 3rd time!

You may have already taken a look at this, but we have quite a bit of information including podcasts and videos in our Reconstruction section.

You may also want to jump over to the reconstruction forum to get some additional feedback.

Hang in there and keep us posted!