Not a candidate for a nipple sparing mastetcomy

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Mikela
Mikela Member Posts: 37
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)


hallo ladies,


After finally accepting the fact that I do need a mastetcomy on my right breast due to extensive DCIS I was hoping at least that they can spare my nipple. My DCIS is 7cm away form the nipple/ areola area however my breast surgeon have said that my nipple will have blood supply issue and might die later anyway. i'm having a hard time in beliving her since my breasts are not that big, I think they are between B and C I should say, but I read that ladies with bigger breasts like D and larger are not good candidate for a nipple sparing mastatcomy. I have a feeling that only reason is she didn't want to counter attack my first surgeon who already did my lumpectomy, he does not perform any nipple sparing mastetcomies period.


I'm very sad that I have to loose my nipple esspecially since my DCIS 7cm away. :(

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited November 2013


    Can you see a different surgeon? Just because one BS thinks you are not a good candidate does not mean that someone else couldn't do it if it's important to you.

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  • BayouBabe
    BayouBabe Member Posts: 2,221
    edited November 2013


    I agree. If this is really what you want, I would pursue a second opinion. I was able to keep one of my nipples. Even though it sits a bit higher on my breast than normal. I am extremely happy to have been able to keep the one. It has helped with my mental recovery when I look in the mirror. However, I am glad that there are amazing tattoo artists out there to tattoo the other one for me when the time comes.

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  • MCbeach
    MCbeach Member Posts: 110
    edited November 2013


    My BS also told me that nipple sparing was not an option with my current size (large C). He said it is fine with A/B cup women. I am fine with that though so I didn't push the issue with him.

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  • NHGirl
    NHGirl Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2013


    I had a successful nipple sparing mastectomy in June of 2012 and I am a 32D. My surgeon said that I was an ideal candidate for the surgery because my DCIS was far away from the nipple. You may want to go for a second opinion. I am really glad that I was able to keep my nipples.

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  • Mikela
    Mikela Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2013


    Thank you ladies I did go and talked to a few more surgeons about sparing my nipple, they all say pretty much the same and that it is possible but I wont be happy with the results, my breasts are hanging down a little since I was breastfeeding my second child for more then three years, they suggest removing them and reconstructing it. I need to have mastectomy on my right breast and am in a huge dilemma what to do with my left side, I would hate to take Tamoxifen to reduce of cancer on that side, there are moments where I'm fine with doing BMX but the next 30 minutes I 've already changed my mind and would only go with UMX. This is the hardest decision I ever faced in my lifetime. It is unbelievable hard and I stay up all night.


    My DCIS is 7cm away from the nipple area so I'm a candidate but not for these other reasons I explained, maybe I should give it a try but hate to go against doctors recommendations. ughh

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