Waiting?

StellaNorth

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with DCIS intermediate, 4cm on 3/11. My appointment with my surgeon is on 3/23.
From my reading here (thank you all!) and elsewhere it sounds like I’ll likely need an MRI and genetic testing which could take weeks for results.
My question is why am I waiting until the surgeon appointment to do these things? Especially the genetic testing. Isn’t that just a blood draw?

I’m really anxious to move things along and just trying to understand the process.
Thank you!

LivinLife

Hi again Stella... It was my 1st opinion surgeon who referred me for the MRI and 2nd opinion surgeon for the genetic testing. Also not everyone is referred for genetic testing. Likely when you meet with your surgeon they will take a look at what makes sense for you. There is no rush, esp. with DCIS though you have a decent size of it - still not a rush though. You have time for whatever your surgeon wants you to do before surgery.

StellaNorth

Thank you!

Beesie

Ditto what LivinLife said.

And to add, if it's suggested that you get genetic testing - and you may or may not be, it depends on your age and family history - I would strongly recommended that you ask for a referral to a genetic counsellor and that you have the counsellor run the test for you. Genetics are complicated and you want someone who will look at the full picture (complete family history) and who can explain your risk whether you test positive or negative.

As for the MRI, as I mentioned in your other thread, some surgeons automatically send patients for MRIs but other surgeons don't use them. Having an MRI might be useful for you if you are hoping to have a lumpectomy, because an MRI might show more clearly the extent of the DCIS (but there are never guarantees on that, either with an MRI or any screening modality). But if you opt for a MX, the surgeon may feel that there is no benefit to having the MRI.

Patience. It's not easy but it's a skill we get to practice a lot when we are doing through the diagnostic process.

StellaNorth

Thank you!