DCIS Treatment

Some doctors suffer from the "I know what is best for you because I'm an expert and you are being irrational" syndrome. It is your body, your breast cancer and your decision.  You have to live with your decision, not him.  If this surgeon is unwilling to do what you believe is the best option for you, find another surgeon.  At a minimum get a second opinion.

Many women with DCIS in one breast seem to be opting for double mastectomy.  Given your family history, it is certainly not an unreasonable decision.  It is, however, a decision that only you have the right to make.

It can be so frustrating.. I know my doctor insisted on a second stereotactic biospy after the first one I had came back positive for DCIS, they then felt there was another suspicious site further away and many calcs inbetween, would mean a a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy if it came back positive as well.... (why didn't they sample this area the first time.. I still don't know and they just divert)..long story short it was also positive so off I went for the mastectomy.. I truly believe that would have been my choice with only one spot.. but he just kept saying if you want a choice have the second biopsy, in hind sight caused more stress and time lost..  If you truly feel you have made your decision and are at piece with it ask for a second opinion, or seek out adifferent surgeon that will listen to you. Did you have an MRI, genetic testing?  Again all of these tests may be redundant if you already know your course of action.  I assume you must not be using the same surgeons as your sister's? You would think they would be more sympathetic.  Good Luck to you..

Loni 

Do in your heart what is right for you.  Doctors today are about salvaging breasts if they can.  They don't like to take away healthy breasts or tissue if they don't have to.  Trust your gut instincts and go with them, whether it be lumpectomy or bilateral.  I was in your shoes and had a bilateral, but only my husband and I were behind the idea.  My breast surgeon was very supportive of my decision, but gave me the lumpectomy talk and having a good outcome also.  I got a lot of grief from close family members, but you have to do what is the right decision for you.  Only you can decide that and no one else.  Good luck in your decision.  

After about 8 biopsies, both steri and MRI - I was diag with DCIS in 2007 and had a lumpectomy and radiation.  Just found out In Oct. the DCIS has returned in the same breast and docs have recommended a DM for me.  Since this seems to be reoccuring on my left side, I've decided not to take the chance of waiting until it does become invasive.  I agree with Carol Marie.  Give it some thought and then go with your gut.  I wish you all the best.

I had DCIS in right and made choice for bital Mx. Had it 5/1 and have no regrets.  This is your choice, your body your life.  If you are not confortable with Dr go see another one.  With your family history i can not imagine a Dr not listen to you.  I was told I would have 30% chance of it coming back or 1% with Mx.....do the math.  That made it easy choice for me.  The path report after Mx found DCIS that was not on MRI or mammogram.