So confused

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pattimay
pattimay Member Posts: 72
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I had my wide excisional biopsy done last Monday.  Core needle biopsy showed two benign papillomas and microcalcifications with atypical cells.  Had my followup appointment today and thought he would tell me that now I just need close followups every six months.  My surgeon said that he had to take out a very large area (25%) of my breast because it was full of atypical cells (intrductal hyperplasia)  My pathology report was sent to another state because they were on the fence on whether I had DCIS or just he atypia.  If it is still just atypia I would go on hormones and be monitored very closely.  If it is DCIS he he said cannot do another biopsy since I am small breasted and he already took 25% doing the excisional.  So he would do a mastectomy.  I trust my surgeon and he tries to answer all my questions but I am so new at this that I didn't think to ask things that confuse me until I was home.  Can you ladies please some things up for me.  If I just have the atypia and not the DCIS then how will it be monitored that it doesn't turn into cancer without having to go for constant biopsies?  Were the microcalcifications which showed on mammo the sign that I had atypical cells or did that only show because of the benign papillomas?  I'm thinking that the microcalcifications are what alerted the radiologist that something was going on and thank goodness the biopsy was done.  If I didn't have the benign papillomas they would have never found the atypia. I hope I'm making sense with my questions.  I didn't know also that DCIS meant mastectomy.  I guess he didn't get all the atypical cells.  I will speak with surgeon again when he gets the report but I'm confused how to ask these questions.  Thank you all for your help.  I'm very scared and depressed now.

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  • GryffinSong
    GryffinSong Member Posts: 439
    edited December 2009

    I don't have any info on your condition, but suggest you write down all your questions and bring a friend with you to your next appointment. No question is too naive or confusing ... it's your doctor's job to help you understand. And a friend (or family member) can help you take notes and remember what was discussed.

    Hugs and good luck!

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  • CrunchyPoodleMama
    CrunchyPoodleMama Member Posts: 1,220
    edited December 2009

    If it is DCIS he he said cannot do another biopsy since I am small breasted and he already took 25% doing the excisional. So he would do a mastectomy.

    I'm sort of in this situation now, but after my surgeon explained that the best option at this point is mastectomy with reconstruction, I asked him 1) if it could be nipple-sparing and 2) if he could leave alone that part that has no sign of DCIS. He said yes to both things. I don't really think of that as a mastectomy, but that's apparently what it's considered. I would encourage you to ask questions, as GryffinSong suggested, ask what other options could work; and most of all, let him know what's important to you (e.g., retaining sensation, keeping your own nipple, etc.!). 

    I know you're scared and depressed right now, but you will feel MUCH better and more in control after your meeting with the surgeon. Hang in there and be sure to read lots of past posts here... there's a wealth of great info in them! Hugs to you! 

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  • Jelson
    Jelson Member Posts: 1,535
    edited December 2009

    Pattimay,

    It does sound confusing, but the very good news is nothing invasive was found. Don't feel rushed to make a decision on what to do. You have time to learn more from this website and from your doctor, to get second opinions and to decide exactly how you want to proceed.

    http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/index.jsp has some of the information you should expect from your doctor - and GryffinSong is giving very wise advise, bring someone with you and take notes.There are many threads on atypia under the High Risk Forum. I encourage you to look at the info under diagnosis/treatment on this website's home page.

    Of course you ended up with more questions after you met with your doctor. DCIS does not necessarily require a mastectomy,  you need to know the rationale for his recommended course of treatment.

     

    good luck

    Jelson

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  • idaho
    idaho Member Posts: 1,187
    edited December 2009

    It does NOT require a total mastectomy... maybe a partial mastectomy if that... ask a lot of questions... don't give up til they are all answered.   Tami

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