New with DCIS and MS

Justsayyes
Justsayyes Member Posts: 34

I have procrastinated posting, I think I'm just so overwhelmed right now.  I keep swinging from wanting to be conservative, but knowing that I'm as healthy as I can possibly be right now and can withstand more agressive surgery if need be.  I have the worst of the best diagnosis?  DCIS, but high grade with comedonecrosis, cannot exclude early microinvasion.  It is near the chest wall, calcifications at 2-3 o'clock, they could not get to the area with the first needle probe, had to go in also from the side to get to the right place.  Had a MRI last week, was told that the initial cancer is there, but no other showed up.  Great news, and I was relieved.  That swings me back to being more conservative.  This is quite the teeter-totter I am on right now!  I also have had multiple sclerosis for 8 years, but am doing very well considering.  I see my bs tomorrow to discuss my options.  I'm exhausted........

Comments

  • cinnamonsmiles
    cinnamonsmiles Member Posts: 779
    edited May 2012

    My best friend was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer and has MS. She had a lumpectomy, radiation and chemo. She had fantastic doctors and made it through.

  • Blessings2011
    Blessings2011 Member Posts: 4,276
    edited May 2012

    Justsayyes - sorry you find yourself here, but glad you decided to post!

    This is the worst part: the waiting. Waiting for a dx, waiting for surgery, waiting for a treatment plan....

    After seven procedures on my left breast (screening mammos, ultrasounds, a ductogram, and two core-needle biopsies) my DCIS was found to have a small microinvasion of IDC.

    I was offered a lumpectomy with rads, but the breast surgeon said she would have to take a large wedge of tissue, and that I might not be satisfied with the outcome. She suggested a UMX (unilateral mastectomy). Because of many other factors, I decided to have a BMX (bilateral mastectomy) with immediate reconstruction with tissue expanders. I have not regretted my decision at all. I did not need either chemo or radiation. Just five years of Arimidex, starting in the Fall.

    I do understand the cyclical nature of MS - my SIL has it - and I'm glad you are as healthy as you can possibly be right now!

    I also understand the exhaustion of trying to make sense of all the differing information, and trying to come up with the right decision, even though you don't have all the facts.

    Sending you big hugs and hoping for good news and a good plan when you see your BS tomorrow!

    Please let us know how you are doing.

  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited May 2012

    DCIS with small amount of microinvasion

    took 3 lumpies till the all clear

    but I am 4 years clear, after rads and ALs so stay positive. oh yey, while it took a while to get used to the AL, no side effects of that!

  • Justsayyes
    Justsayyes Member Posts: 34
    edited May 2012

    Thanks all for the info and encouragement. 

  • Infobabe
    Infobabe Member Posts: 1,083
    edited June 2012

    Justsayyes

    If you have DCIS near the chest wall, you may want to consider UMX.  I am certainly no expert but discuss with your doctor how deep the DCIS is.  Rads aimed so far in are a danger to lung and heart.   Maybe I am off base, but be sure to check this out.  

    I know rads are better these days for avoiding complications like this, better to find out now and not later.

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