Just got the call and in shock

LM68 -

sorry you have been diagnosed. Yes you are right, not all DCIS progresses to IDC, and probably doesn't need to be treated, but the doctors still don't know for sure how to predict. There is much research being done regarding minimizing treatment, so for example, - instead of the usual lumpectomy followed by radiation, lumpectomy with no radiation or less radiation. Please check out the Discussion Board specific to DCIS where you will find others who have already or who are currently struggling with their treatment decisions - which can also include mastectomy. And be sure to check the resource info on BCO.

In addition to the DCIS diagnosis, you will also be getting info on the size of your mass, its grade (1,2 or3) and whether it is er/pr responsive. That information along with your age and your feelings about risk all come into play when YOU decide what to do. If you can, take someone with you to your appointment on Friday or a recorder. You will be given much to think about and it may be difficult to process and ask questions at the same time. Sometimes with DCIS there isn't much of a grey area, for example if yours is a large grade 3 mass. Regardless, a second opinion is always valuable, if only to confirm the original surgeon's treatment plan.

Good luck.

Hi LM68,

Quite the shocker, huh? I'm sorry you find yourself here.

My situation is very similar to yours except I was 66 at time of diagnosis. I had a second opinion after a suspicious mammo, and ended up with a lumpectomy and rads. I was told that because errant cancer cells can escape the duct during biopsy or surgery, radiation was recommended. I wanted all the little bastards gone and did 33 rad treatments with only minor side effects. I'm very glad I did what I did.

It's hard when the decisions are left up to you to make. I agree that you should take someone to your appointment and keep a notebook with you where you can jot down questions (they will come at you at all times of the day and night) and contact numbers for various providers.

Meanwhile, BCO is a great resource, and there's a thread to fit everyone's situation. You will get through this just fine.

I would inquire about two things prior to surgery. A bi-lat MRI to get another type of imaging for thoroughness, and an Oncotype Dx for DCIS, linked below.

http://breast-cancer.oncotypedx.com/en-US/Patient-...

LM68-

Hi LM, we wanted to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're sorry for the circumstances that bring you here, but we're so glad you've found us, and hope you find it to be a place of support and encouragement when you need it most.

We're going to second many of the responses you've gotten and say that a second opinion is always helpful. However, if you feel comfortable with your doctor and the treatment plan they suggest, you may not feel one is necessary. Many people decide that getting a second opinion isn't as important as getting started on their treatment right away. Either way, make sure to write down any and all questions you have as your appointment approaches, and go through them one by one with your doctor. Having your husband there will be great for support and another set of ears!

You may also want to spend some time looking through our DCIS forum, which you can find here: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68. There's lots of valuable information there, and it will give you a chance to connect with other members of the community who share a diagnosis.

Please keep us posted on how your appointment goes, we'll be thinking of you!

The Mods