Recon vs flat and second opinions -DCIS recurrence

Bi5241

Hi: I am a post menopausal female 67 years old and and was diagnosed with DCIS shortly after I retired as an RN about two years ago. I am looking for information about recurrence of DCIS, mastectomy and reconstruction. I have been referred for left mastectomy and reconstruction with this recurrence.

After my original episode of DCIS I had a left lumpectomy followed by accelerated whole breast radiation. Post original lumpectomy margins were good, grade was 2-3, comedo type, E and P receptor negative. Currently taking raloxifene for a planned 5 year course.

After the two year followup mammogram in late May showed suspicious calcifications, the biopsy done earlier this week shows DCIS return. Receptors pending.

I was able to review the DCIS resources posts and have read some posts about going flat after surgery. All were helpful as was a link to the BreastFree website. I am signed up for the 6/24 webinar and am scheduled to see my surgeon again and plastic surgeon for an evaluation at the end of the week. Leaning strongly toward no reconstruction. I don't want additional surgery or procedures to deal with moving forward. I want to get on with healing and what else may need to be done.

Also trying to seek a second opinion in NYC based NCI certified Breast Cancer Center (I'm a NJ resident at a non-NCI center). Starting the run around for gathering test results that need to be faxed before i can even schedule a second opinion. Very frustrating and i just began.

Spookiesmom

Agree. I had bmx, no recon. Didn’t want more surgery, copay, possible infection, pain, wanted to be done. I’ve been flat 8 years, don’t regret a minute of it.

Bi5241

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

TB90

Bi5241:

I had a uni mastectomy almost 8 years ago for extensive DCIS. I was 53. The same day my BS advised a mastectomy, she asked if I was considering reconstruction. I shocked both of us by blurting out a definitive “no”. And I have never regretted my decision. I recovered so quickly and moved on with my life, although I did end up having radiation as I still had a positive margin. My body now is simply me. I have no pain or discomfort or any limitations. I realize my story applies only to me. I just wanted you to hear that there is life without breasts or a breast. Lol. But only if that is what you are most comfortable with. The only right decision is what you feel is right for you. All the best

Floral

I had a BMX in 1/20 and implants 11/20. I had radiation on the cancer side in 3/20.


I thought and researched quite a bit because I couldn’t decide between implants or prosthesis. It came down to, for me, which would get on my nerves the most, because for me no alternative was desirable. My ultimate decision was implants. I’ve had the implants for 9 months now and don’t regret the decision. Do I like them? Not a lot. But they don’t bother me, they look OK, and they don’t require maintenance. I knew I wasn’t going to go flat, because clothes hang weird and I enjoy clothes. I also couldn’t see having to buy bathing suits, etc. with pockets and making sure I had my breasts every time I went somewhere. Plus, I’m one of those people who has to cut the tags off clothing so they don’t drive me insane. I can only imagine what walking around with a stuffed bra would do for me.


So the implants work for me. Having something there that isn’t me gets on my nerves at times, but part of that may be from the surgery. I still have numbness and fleeting pains that can’t really be blamed on the implants.

Bi5241

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and experiences. I wish you all well as you journey on.

Update: I am 3 weeks post left mastectomy, went “flat”. Feeling well. Very little pain-Tylenol was all I needed. Had second PS flow up and healing well. Minor tenderness and stiffness toward the end of the day but almost able to do complete range of motion of left arm so no physical therapy required. Cleared to do all activities as desired next week on 4 week anniversary of surgery. Happy to have come through surgery well and be on theroad to healing. Have RX for prosthetic so that will be my next step.

Jetcat

I also decided to have no reconstruction and am fine being half flat - in fact, I am seriously considering a prophylactic mastectomy and going all flat. I may have made a different choice in my 40’s or 50’s but now I want to enjoy life without worrying anything could be hidden in reconstruction. It has been an adjustment getting used to seeing my stomach up close and personal 😀. Trying to lose weight