Calcifications on "good" breast found

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rn4babies
rn4babies Member Posts: 409
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I had a lumpectomy and rads (just finished 12/14) on my left breast. I just had my first followup mammo on Friday. The radiologist told me there are linear calcifications on my "good" breast that are highly suggestive of DCIS. She said she's pretty convinced that it is DCIS but of course can't be certain until the biopsy is done. She called the surgeon's office before I left and he is seeing me on Tuesday. It had been 15 months since I had a mammo on the "good" side. If this is DCIS, I'm hoping I can again have a lumpectomy with radiation. Even though the radiation was not a walk in the park for me, I still think I'd opt for it over a mastectomy at this point. Can they radiate that side since it was not radiated before? I'm devastated at the possibility of going through this again, especially so soon.

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  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2012

    Oh I'm sorry to hear about this ... I believe you can have more radiation ... I think that's good news (gentle lol). 

    Gosh...with all that's happened, I'm wondering why you wouldn't want to have a BMX.  Personally, I want the other breast removed when I go for recon.  I dunno ... I guess it's a preference.

    However, you'll get the results first ... and then ... one step at a time ... I've got my fingers crossed and my best prayers in your direction.

    This friggin' disease is a biotch.

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  • SheChirple
    SheChirple Member Posts: 954
    edited February 2012

    It was my fear of gonig through exactly what you are going through that led me to have a BMX in the first round.  I had just on tumor, DCIS/IDC on one side.  I chose BMX out of fear of recurrence, and hopeful for no radiation.  The choice is truly personal.

    I truly hope you do not have to go through this nightmare again.

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  • CTMOM1234
    CTMOM1234 Member Posts: 633
    edited February 2012

    rn - I am so sorry that you must go through this devastation again, but do believe if you want a lump+rads on the other side you can do that. In fact, I had an extensive conversation with the RO who I ultimately went to before I had decided on lump+rads. vs mx about if one could have rads on the other side (in the event that unfortunately later diagnosed with bc on the other side), and she said "Absolutely." She was very positive about it being feasible, but I continued to ask about overlapping zap regions and she explained that it is rarely a limiting issue. I also met with a plastic surgeon before deciding on lump+rads vs mx, as rads did worry me, but realized that I just wasn't mentally ready to lose the breast and sensation (and deal with reconstruction). Sometimes you have to run all of the scenarios before you have clarity on what is right for you!

    These are such hard decisions and wishing you inner peace as you go down this path again.

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  • iLUV2knit
    iLUV2knit Member Posts: 157
    edited February 2012

    I opted for a BMX due to DCIS on one side and ADH on the other side.  If I had only stuck to one doctor and went ahead with the lumpectomy/rads on the DCIS side, I would have been shocked and probably totally freaked out to discover the ADH and who knows progressed to what...on follow-up mamms in the next year.  I was glad to have gone to another doc for a second opinion who also ordered an MRI of both breasts and found the ADH.  That way I dealt with everything at once.  I also met with a plastic surgeon, breast surgeon, and radiologist oncologist before making an informed decision.  It is never easy to have surgery but for me, it was the best route to go.  And also, you can't be certain what is IN that breast until the final pathology report is in.  Good luck!!

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  • Emaline
    Emaline Member Posts: 492
    edited February 2012

    I would think that you would be able to get radiation in your other breast. I know they can't do repeated radiation in the same breast, but since radiation is specific these days, I would think you could get it done with your other breast.

    Good luck with your biopsy and please let us know how it goes!

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