Just diagnosed

anastasia31
anastasia31 Member Posts: 45
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Talk about getting mixed signals.  I found a lump and had all of the diagnostics done (mammogram, ultrasound, needle core biopsies, MRI, estrogen receptor). One oncologist told me DCIS does not cause lumps, therefore I must have another type of cancer in addition to DCIS.  Had anyone heard that before?  Also, oncology/radiology is assuming that after I have surgery I will have radiation and take tamoxifen.  I'm debating on a mastectomy but that seems so radical considering the growth size.  Maybe just lumpectomy and radiation.  Any thoughts or opinions out there?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited June 2012

     I've heard of DCIS forming a lump, though mine didn't.  I had a much larger area of DCIS, and I chose the BMX - that is, a bilateral masectomy.  I did not do radiation and tamoxifen - and am happy with my decision.  Preferred the odds (1-2 percent) from a BMX.  that was a year ago.  I have peace of mind.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • anastasia31
    anastasia31 Member Posts: 45
    edited June 2012

    Hi Alexandria58,

    Thanks for your input.  Tamoxifen is scary stuff with all of the potential side effects.  So part of me is thinking a mastectomy (just on the right side) or a lumpectomy with radiation.  I'm like you though, I like the odds of a mastectomy better.  Guess I will wait and talk with my surgeon in two weeks.  Where did you have your surgery?  Were you happy with your surgeon?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • agrp1
    agrp1 Member Posts: 37
    edited June 2012

    DCIS is usually not palpable, but it can be. I have a good friend who was dx'd with DCIS a few months ago, and it was an actual lump.

    If you're anything like me, you'll have to let the voices in your head stop clamoring for a while, then you'll know which surgery to have. It's a hard decision to have to make. Wishing you the best!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • gramamuses
    gramamuses Member Posts: 633
    edited June 2012

    HiAnastasia--I had 3 small lumps which I could not feel, but digital mammo showed suspicious areas and they showed up on ultrasound and could be felt by the Doc (was getting biopsied during US)--so yes, DCIS can form lumps--which is what I had.  Had been watching a small calcification for several years--one lump was  in that area.  I had  LMX, no rads, no tamox.  One year later, all good on left side--now a few tiny calcifications in rt breast--so watching againl.  Best to you--you will sort it out and find the right choice and TX for yourself.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mssunshine71
    mssunshine71 Member Posts: 162
    edited June 2012

    I had a lump over 3cm which was not only palpable but visible to the eye it stuck out so much.  The needle biopsy said DCIS (still waiting for pathology from surgery though)  I chose a lumpectomy.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • alexandria58
    alexandria58 Member Posts: 1,588
    edited June 2012

    I was very happy with my surgeon.  Anne Rosenberg in Philadelphia at thomas Jerfferson.   This does have to be a decision that you're comfortable with - either way.  One deciding factor for me to take off the second breast was that the oncologist wanted me to take Tamoxifen to prevent cancer in that breast.  Met against after the BMX and she said, you're done.    Also helps to know your personality.  If you're an excessive worrier, as I am, the BMX does give greater peace of mind.  I just couldn't stand the idea of going through the stress of mammograms every six months.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CTMOM1234
    CTMOM1234 Member Posts: 633
    edited June 2012

    Lumpectomy and rads sounds good to me! These are personal decisions and not always black and white. The key is to find good inner peace with your decision. There's not been a single day that I wished I'd chosen mx or bmx instead of lump+rads. And I've never regretted my decision to not go on tamoxifen.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories