Newly diagnosed and wanting a mastectomy

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JRCnMe
JRCnMe Member Posts: 1
edited January 2020 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

New diagnosis last week of DCIS Stage 0. Have no further details of HER status, etc. I have always struggled with large breasts and a few years ago was approved for a reduction though due to a job change, this didn't happen. I am meeting with the surgeon this week and already have my mind made up that I want a bilateral mastectomy but am afraid that it won't be offered. Has anyone had this experience? Is the option of a lumpectomy w/radiation vs. mastectomy given to the patient? I am so anxious and can't bear the thought of a recurrence and just want to get both breasts removed.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited January 2020

    This is your choice, although not all doctors will present it to you or even be agreeable. So the attitude of the doctor depends on the doctor.

    What you need to do is make sure that you make a fully educated decision, understanding your diagnosis and the risks associated with it, and understanding the implications of having a bilateral mastectomy vs. having a lumpectomy plus radiation. For example, having a BMX does not mean that you cannot get a recurrence, or even develop a new breast cancer. The risk is usually quite low after a BMX, but there always remains some risk of a either a recurrence or new cancer.

    Take a read through here:

    to learn more about your DCIS diagnosis. For example, HER2 status isn't usually determined for DCIS because it has no impact on the treatment plan or prognosis.

    And through here:

    to learn more about what's involved with each surgical procedure. See my June 13th post on the first page for a very long list of things to consider when making this decision.

    We are all thrown into a whole new world when we are diagnosed, and there is a lot to learn. The treatment decisions we make are very personal - what's right for one person might be wrong for someone else. What's important is to not make a decision based on fear or because of anxiety, but to make the decision that is right for you, not just now but well into the future.


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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited January 2020

    I had DCIS and choose to have a bilateral mastectomy. I too was sick & tired of large, dense breasts. I agree, some docs may try to change your mind, but no one gave me any hassles. Beesie has posted some good links. You need to learn all about the surgery so you can talk knowledgeably.

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  • LiveLoveLaugh2020
    LiveLoveLaugh2020 Member Posts: 322
    edited January 2020

    JRC it is your choice. This is a very hard situation to be thrown into and can be very confusing. But go with what your heart tells you. I too had DCIS and chose to go with Bil NSM. Wish you the best.

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited January 2020

    I also decided to do a BMx based upon my original biopsy diagnosis of DCIS in my hard to image dense breast. I was one of the 20% whose final pathology was "upgraded" to IDC. I am happy with my choice but you have to clearly follow your instinct. Had my breasts been easy to image, I might have had a lumpectomy.

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  • VegGal
    VegGal Member Posts: 507
    edited January 2020

    Another BMX’er here. Haven’t regretted it for one second. However, after watching my mom go through cancer, I’d had seven years to decide what I would do “if” before I was even diagnosed.

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