Need to decide between lumpectomy or mastectomies for DCIS

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited August 2012

    Thanks for the info kd and jill! I guess since mine is more central, nsmx is not going to be a good idea. They are still working on my surgery date, but it sure was harder to sign the consent forms yesterday than I expected. Between the reality of giving permission to take my breasts and then knowing the ball is now rolling, I think the day got the best of me.  Today is better though, and I am encouraged by how well several of you sound at just a few weeks out.  I have a friend who had delayed diep 3 weeks ago, and she is also doing quite well. It helps tremendously to know what it's like on the other side.  howhm02l, good luck on friday and hope all goes well!

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited August 2012

    btw, did any of you who have had diep have to use a little bit of muscle?  My ct seemed to indicate one flap would be ok without muscle, but my ps thinks he'll have to take a small (postage stamp size?) amount of muscle for the second flap due to my vasculature. It would be great to know if that seemed to affect abdominal strength, etc. I'll check the diep boards too though.

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

    I am one who chose the lumpectomy for my DCIS, for me it was the right thing,

    mastectomy decision is a very personal choice as it is much more of a surgery that I did not want unless required.  And my docs never thought I needed to go that route.  I do think you need a good breast surgeon for the lumpie to be successful and realize that depending where you live, a specialist may not be available to you

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  • Alice50
    Alice50 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2012

    Casey,

    I think it is true about deciding whether to have lumpectomy or mastectomy being the worst part of the whole process. 

    After much research, I decided on bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP (breast sparing, nipples gone).  My operation was Aug. 9, 2012.  Everything went fine.  I was in ICU two days, with over-all hospital stay of 5 days.  I feel pretty good, although, as is typical, I still tire easily.

    Your account of your feeings after spending time with the PS and staff reminded me of my experience.  I, too, felt relief and knew for me that I was making the correct decision.

     DCIS cribriform with necrosis and calcificationm, grade 2,

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  • cg1234
    cg1234 Member Posts: 181
    edited August 2012

    Alice, glad you're doing well!  It helps to hear how others are doing soon after surgery...helps to focus on the positive.  Good luck to you and hope you feel better and better!

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  • Kd6blk
    Kd6blk Member Posts: 114
    edited August 2012

    Work is going well. I have been to the office part of each day this week, but I can work from home and that helps. I am tired no doubt...but it is good to get my mind off of me. I am very glad to be back working as of week 4, but I am stage 0 and after Diep on both sides it was not hard. I did not have Chemo or Radiation. I lost my last drain last Friday and that made all the difference in the world. I feel like me again. BTW, I am BMI 37 with a successful DIEP Flap, so let no doctor turn you away, go to PRMA or Nola or place that gives you the options YOU WANT!!

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  • Joycekeisman
    Joycekeisman Member Posts: 17
    edited September 2012

    I had nsbmx last Friday w immediate implants. Scar is bigger than I thought, but ok. Just glad to be in the other side, sort of... The hospital,stay was hard bc the between the anesthesia and pain meds I was nauseous and had one MF headache. I went home yesterday and no meds nec except tylenol and my appetite came back and I felt soooooo much better than yesterday. drains are a pain in the ass but nothing horrible. I'll keep u updated in my recovery, I think it will be slow but I' was in good enough shape beforehand so I hope it will be progressing each day. Don't get me wrong, it hurts, it does, but not as much as my head would be every three months at my sono/mammo/MRI waiting for results. Btw the lymph nodes were clear!! If u have people people to depend on now is the time.....my family and friends are totally there for me..

    And to all a good night

    Joyce

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