DCIS, Mastectomy or PM

Iknewit

I have been diagnosed with DCIS in two spots of my left breast, with micro areas of calcified growths in between, with in an area of about 8CM, presently it is not showing an invasive characteristics, or lymph nodes involvement. I am leaning towards no re-construction, since I know with my current medical history, healing is incredibly delayed, and I do not want to deal with side effects. What are some of your experiences with this procedure? I am also possibly considering prophylactic mastectomy.

I have been trying to research alot, but want some personal experiences. Any insight would be much appreciated.

Regards,

Ingerp

My 2016 lumpectomy was big--8 cm x 6 cm x 3.3 cm. My RO is the one who first asked if I was thinking about any kind of reconstruction or doing something to the other side to make my breasts more symmetrical. I asked her if people would notice when I'm wearing clothes, she said no, and I said then of course not. We're all asymmetrical anyway, right? The area is on the outside of my left breast, a little below midline, so I can't even see it unless I look in the mirror. Honestly I don't think about it any more.

Krissie2430

I was diagnosed last month. The diagnostic mammogram and MRI both showed 1 mass (approx 5cm) DCIS. I was given the option of a lumpectomy with 4-6 weeks radiation or a mastectomy and no radiation.


My husband and I went back and forth for about 2 weeks before coming to a decision. I lost my mother in 2011 to her 2nd recurrence and while science says there’s no big difference between the options given, and neither of us tested positive for the gene, we agreed we’d feel most comfortable if I went ahead and had a double mastectomy.


I had my surgery Aug 13 and had tissue expanders placed to start the reconstruction process. My doctor called last week to tell me the pathologist found another DCIS and a “small mass” of invasive. After receiving that news, I have absolutely no regrets about the double.


I’ve never experienced issues from healing in the past, so I’m just gonna see how the reconstruction goes. My mom originally had an implant placed, but when she experienced the 1st recurrence the implant was removed and wore a prosthetic from there on out. She never seemed bothered by it and laying here with these tissue expanders feeling like something alien inside me, I imaging being able to take that bra off at the end of the day has got to be a good feeling!

Moderators

Iknewit and Krissie,

Sorry you have to be here, but so happy you decided to join in! We know you'll find lots of answers here, welcome! Besides the Reconstruction forum, you'l find other members with similar diagnosis and experience in the DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) forum. Feel free to join them there too!

Also, we always recommend that you fill out your Profile so others can see your diagnostic and treatment information, which will help them answer your questions. You can fill out your profile by clicking My Profile at the top right of your screen, and enter your information in the My Diagnoses and My Treatment tabs. If you make this information public, other members will be able to see it in every post you make. Let us know if you need help with that!

Looking forward to hearing more from you soon!

The Mods