Diagnosed with DCIS in May

Imhere

Mammogram was in February, Biopsy in April diagnosed with LCIS, Lumpectomy in May diagnosed with DCIS. Now decision to have another lumpectomy with six weeks of daily radiation or mastectomy. Leaning towards mastectomy because closest I could get daily radiation is 120 mile round trip and daily? I don't think so.

While going through this diagnosis process, I have avoided getting the Covid-19 vaccine because of reports of possible inflammation of the lymph nodes and instructions to wait on vaccine until after mammogram. I sure did not want any confusion whether inflammation caused by vaccine or spreading of cancer. Has anyone else done the same? My doc told me to go ahead and get it, I don't think she understood my concern was not about the safety of it, but instead misdiagnosis because of potential for node inflammation.

typhoon

So sorry that you have to be here, and that you are facing a tough treatment decision!

As far as the vaccine goes, the associated lymph node swelling affects about 20% of people who get the Moderna shot, and less than 1% of the people who get the Pfizer shot (per Yale Medicine). This reaction is well known to the medical community, especially radiologists, so I think the odds of a misdiagnosis of breast cancer in the nodes, absent a biopsy and based only on swelling after getting the vaccine, are exceedingly low. In any case, though, you already have your diagnosis.

If your doctor is encouraging you to get vaccinated, and if getting vaccinated is something you want to do, then go for it - one less thing to worry about with all the other concerns you have to deal with.

Imhere

Thank you, typhoon, that helps.

LivinLife

Wow so that's a lot on your plate in a short period of time! Important you make a decision regarding type of surgery you're comfortable with.... there are threads on this site if you're curious about others' experiences, even decision-making processes.... just to help give you additional considerations if you want those... You could use the search box... Otherwise wishing you well with decision-making and upcoming surgery... we're here for you!

cake8icing

hi I’m here:

Just one voice among the many here on breastcancer.org. I cannot comment about the vaccine but wanted to share that I had DCIS and chose mastectomy vs lumpectomy and radiation. Radiation is not risk free and I cared more about limiting the amount of medical intervention than about saving my breast. I chose a flat closure and have been happy with it. I am small breasted and find wearing a prosthesis is not a big deal. There are so many options now for prostheses and some are so comfortable I honestly forget I am wearing it. Good luck to you as you make your decisions! There is a topic here on breastcancer.org about choosing your treatment; I will try to find the link and repost it here.

cake8icing

here is the link to the article about choosing lumpectomy vs mastectomy

https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/mast_vs_lump

Beesie

This thread in the DCIS forum will also be helpful:

Topic: lumpectomy vs mastectomy - why did you choose your route? https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68/topics...

And this is the absolute best, most thorough website I've found on the subject:

Lumpectomy vs Mastectomy: How to Choose http://www.melbournebreastcancersurgery.com.au/lum...