Mastectomy or radiation

I'm also 54 and was diagnosed with DCIS for the second time.  When diagnosed for the first time in winter of 2007, I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. My surgery came out with clean margins and my nodes were normal.

Radiation was not that bad, I continued to work until the last week when my doc insisted I take some time off. I did not have any major skin issues, just something like sunburn.  Unfortunately they found another patch of DCIS in October of this year.  A lumpectomy is not an option this time and due to the numerous biopsies (over 10) I've had in both breasts I've decided to do a double with reconstruction and get it over with. 

If I was to do it over again, I would go the same route. Since it was also stage 0, I had a good chance of no further issues and wanted to "keep what I had". They say only 10 - 20% have a recurrence but,  I guess I fell into that group.    The only downfall I can see now is the reconstruction on the radiated breast.  I'm going to try expanders as my PS said my skin is in good condition, but normally this can be an issue if you have to have a mastectomy and Reconstruction in the future.  I hope this helps - or if you need any other info let me know

I believe there is some confusion as to your dx..........if your pathology report said that your tumor was IDC, I don't understand how it could be staged as Stage 0............it should be a Stage 1. Stage 0 tumors are usually for those designated as DCIS.If your tumor is indeed IDC (invasive) then the decision isn't any less difficult. It's a very personal decision - my IDC tumor was small (just .9cm) and a Grade 1, but I didn't want to deal with radiation at all and I wanted to reduce any chance for recurrence - so I went with a mx with immediate recon. Afterwards, the results of my FISH report showed the tumor to be highly HER2+ so I felt even more justified in getting the mx, even though I experienced numerous complications from the reconstruction. 

Do you have the complete pathology report from  your biopsy? Is your tumor ER/PR or Her2 positive? How large is the IDC portion? All this will help you make your decision..........if necessary, seek out the second opinion of both oncologists and breast surgeons. Good luck with everything and keep us posted!

I second VinRobMom and Janets1 advise. A mastectomy is permanent and can be emotionally devastating. I know.

In the world of DCIS, size matters.  If you have a large patch of DCIS and are not large breasted, when the surgeon removes the lump, you may be left with a very disfigured breast.  Since the recommendation/guidelines require radiation with lumpectomy, the process may leave the patient needing plastic surgery for a lumpectomy on radiated tissue ---because of scarring or loss of volume--which is more complicated and, as I understand it, has greater risk of not getting a good [visual] result.

That said, I suppose if was bigger on top with a large patch of DCIS, you could get a lumpectomy and then, in lieu of plastic surgery on a radiated breast, get reduction surgery on the unradiated breast.

For me, the more troubling issue is what would have to be done to repair the "bad boobie."  I have had abdominal surgery in connection with a hysterectomy.  RECOVERY STANK and I had an absolutely AWESOME surgeon who left a little teeny tiny incision.  I look at what needs to be done for a TRANS flap or a DIEP and my stomach goes flipflop.  I am just not willing to spend that much of my life [ie time with my kids] essentially recovering from this stupid DCIS--I want to be DONE.....

But its a personal choice.

I'm 55 and facing the same choice... hard isnt it? I've had 2x surgery which removed my DCIS but was offered a mastectomy after that. I chose the watch-and-wait route and now (18months on) have a 7mm mucinous carcinoma. The surgeon is offering me lumpectomy with radiation & ...gut reaction/clutching at straws/within 5 mins of diagnosis... I said "ok". Its booked for 4th Feb but I'm having second thoughts and am waiting to speak to the BC nurse and hopefully come to an informed decision. I dont fancy the extra time in theatre/hospital but I dont fancy the rads or having to go back either. Lets face it, whichever we choose, we'll probably always wonder if we were "right". There really isnt a "right" choice - just have to pick one I guess. There's a lot of weighing up (no pun intended!)