just diagnosed with DCIS in Orlando

LindyL,

I have just been throught this! One of my most attentive friends thoughout my ordeal lives in Orlando. She's not been through it, but I'll see if anyone she knows has and get back to you.

I am not very good at making decisions, and in my case, most of my options were limited for me. I had implants prior to being diagnosed. Radiation can cause problems with implants and sometimes even using implants in the future. I did not want radiation anyway, so I went with mastectomy. Honestly, though, if I hadn't had the implants and I liked my breasts the way they were, I think I would have chosen lumpectomy and radiation. I also chose double when I could have done single so that they both would be the same and need the same type of care in the future.

I will post again if I hear something from my friend in Orlando. Good luck with your decisions. 

I was diagnosed with DCIS Dec 2009.  I had a unimast March 2010.   The DCIS was extensive and lumpectomy would have left me with maybe one half of a very small to begin with breast (barely a B cup).   I really did not have a choice.  I am very happy with my one foob and things are going great.  

I cannot help with orlando, I had my surgery in Chicago.  I had an SIEAm which is very similar to DIEP. Very happy with my results.  One thing you have is some time. DCIS is very slow and so there is not the urgency with other cancers.  My doc even let me go on my vacation and then have surgery after. I had a trip that was planned years ahead, he said as long as i could enjoy myself knowing I was coming back to surgery, he said go for it.  

 I did not have chemo or rads as all docs I saw said that was not going to help me.  I had a sentinel node removed and there was no sign of cancer.  I am not currently on any hormone therapy.   

Hi LindyL,

Sorry I cannot help you with doctor recommendations in FL.  I live in NJ and know what you are going through.  I was diagnosed with DCIS just before the holidays.  I visited several doctors, specialists, and created my own "chart" so to speak (binder with info, pathology reports, questions, notes, etc.)  I took my "chart" with me to every appointment. Gathering information to make a decision about your treatment is very difficult.  I am 55 years old and prior to my diagnosis, already had two wide-local excisions (surgeries in each breast) and 5 different biopsies in both breasts over the last 14 months.  I also sought a second opinion at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in NYC.  In the end, I decided on a double-mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.  The reconstruction involves insertion of the tissue expanders and then the implants at a later date (after the muscle and skin are stretched to size I'm comfortable with).  It is a very challenging time sorting through all of the information with numerous decisions.  Lumpectomy or mastectomy?  One or both breasts?  Reconstruction - which type?  etc.  Please feel free to write me with any questions or feelings you are experiencing that you think I might be able to help with.  My surgery was Feb 9th and I am in the healing stages.  My pathology report came back with no sign of residual carcinoma in either specimen.  Do I regret the BMX?  In a word, No.  I am finally free and will not require any radiation or chemo.  I wish you the best!

Hi irisheyes39

I just had my excisional biopsy yestarday at uf Orlando health Dr. Smith. Now I'm waiting for results. Core biopsy found 2 micro foci adh. I have breast implants and i am very scared that my results will be malignant. Radiation is not really n option for me. I'm 49 years old. .my plastic surgeon does not take ins. So maybe I'm getting ahead of myself but do you know a good ps that takes ins.

I think they scheduled me with Finner I have an appt Wed just to get more info. My excisional biopsy was totally neg. Only adh on core needle. I Don't know what I'm doing yet. Tomoxifen scares me.