The DCIS "Controversy"

turtlelady · January 2015

In a recent article in Cure Magazine (“The DCIS Dilemma” by Charlotte Huff, 9/25/2014) the author states that a DCIS is a “...condition that’s creating stress and controversy for patients and physicians alike.”

In the author’s view, a DCIS is so fundamentally different from an invasive cancer that woman are confused by it and doctors tend to over-treat. Within the article, she follows a DCIS patient (Sandie Walters), discussing how she made decisions opting for a more conservative approach.

Huff calls the condition “nonmalignant” and “not-quite-cancerous” without making any effort to justify this alteration of the meaning of words. DCIS stands for Ductal CARCINOMA In Situ. A carcinoma, by definition, is a cancer that arises from epithelial cells of the skin or linings of organs. The Latin expression “in situ” means “in its original position.”

The authors attempt to create obfuscation from words that are perfectly clear is puzzling. We have accurate and adequate expressions already. You can call a DCIS a non-invasive (or pre-invasive) cancer. You can say that it was caught early. You can say that it has not metastasized. Call it a Stage Zero cancer. Why change the meanings of carcinoma, cancer and malignancy? In fairness, Ms. Huff included many comments from doctors in the field, and they all called a DCIS what it is– cancer.

Having observed many woman over the years struggling with recurrences and additional tumors when dealing with breast cancer, I long ago resolved to have a double mastectomy with the first appearance of any type of breast cancer. (My mother died of the disease.) Of course, I had also hoped that the first occurrence would be found early enough for that approach to be as effective as possible.

Not long before I was diagnosed with a DCIS, I had read an article that was similar to the one in Cure, the author and source of which I do not remember. However, the gist of that earlier article was similar, suggesting that over treatment was rampant and that perhaps we shouldn’t call it cancer. (It is possible that the same author produced it, but I cannot say for sure.)

Then the day came when I was told that I had a DCIS (level 3 w/necrosis). The surgeon first mentioned the possibility of mastectomy, and even added that since my cancer hadn’t become invasive yet, a mastectomy would be a cure. Years of watching other women’s experiences and planning for this moment flew out the window because of I had read an article trivializing a DCIS. So I said, “Wouldn’t that be overkill?”

“Possibly,” responded the doctor. She went on to explain the other options. I delayed treatment for a couple months, and then scheduled the lumpectomy. I had no concerns, because, after all, this was just a DCIS. Piece of cake.

The choice was a horrible mistake.

The doctor who did the wire placement procedure (necessary only for lumpectomies) did not pay attention to pain management, and had difficulty getting the wires into the correct locations. I was subjected to two hours of torture. Because I am a timid sort, I said nothing. The doctor didn’t know I was in pain until I screamed involuntarily late in the procedure.

Later I experienced flashbacks, hours-long crying jags, insomnia and nightmares for the next five months. Unable to cope, I was forced to go part time on my job and have been harmed financially as a result. I was treated for PTSD and have improved quite a bit. But my troubles didn’t end.

Based on the Van Nuys point system, radiation was recommended, and I had no difficulty with it. When that was done, I tried to turn my attention to recovery from the PTSD, and attempted some of my usual activities for awhile-- jogging, camping and hiking in the mountains with my dog.

Then I encountered another setback. The normal post-surgical swelling never subsided. In fact, between the fourth and seventh month after surgery, it got worse and spread halfway around my torso. Breathing is difficult because my ribcage hurts, and using my arm causes very intense pain My surgeon diagnosed it as truncal lymphedema. No lymph nodes were removed surgically, so this was a result of radiation. After this diagnosis, some of my PTSD symptoms have returned. (I’m weeping as I type this.)

Bear in mind that if I had had a MX, the wire torture wouldn’t have taken place. If I had had a MX, no rads would have been used. I wouldn’t be stuck with PTSD or truncal lymphedema. I would be getting my life back. In the long run, it probably would cost less, since I now need ongoing medical care for an undetermined period of time

I was misled into thinking that a DCIS was nothing, not really a cancer. After planning for decades to opt for BMX, one article caused me to change my mind and treat conservatively instead. The results from that error have been devastating. My life is in shreds now. I don’t know if I’ll ever recover. I am broken.

Mastectomy, which Charlotte Huff ridicules as “the surgical equivalent of a sledgehammer,” would have spared me this situation, and probably saved my insurance company a bundle.

MX (or even BMX) is a perfectly rational possible treatment for DCIS in any patient who would rather not have to keep looking over her shoulder for the next tumor, year after year. (Women with DCIS are at increased risk for additional BC tumors of various types.) It obviates radiation in most cases, lessening the likelihood of lymphedema. The wire torture experience, although not unique to me, does seem to be a rare incident, as most people report little pain from the procedure. Nevertheless, MX obviates that as well.

Do you remember Sandie Walters? She is the shining example of conservative treatment for DCIS in the Huff article. She had an additional tumor later, invasive, in the other breast. And this happened even though she was being closely monitored! BMX would have prevented it!

I don’t know why there are some people who are trying so hard to denigrate mastectomy as a reasonable treatment for a DCIS. I suspect that insurance companies are behind it. However, conservative treatment has led to HIGHER costs for my insurance, and probably also for Sandie Walters’.

Each woman has to make this decision based on her own needs. Lumpectomy has been very successful for some of my friends. It was completely wrong for me. Women who make the choice for a mastectomy should not be disparaged for that choice. Doctors should not be faulted for presenting it as a reasonable option.

Finally, with my tears flowing freely, I must address one final indignity. Reading the Charlotte Huff article was the ultimate kick in the gut for someone who is struggling to recover. All attempts to redefine this carcinoma should end. It is a cancer, a malignancy. Although our cancer was pre-invasive, we should feel welcomed in the BC sisterhood. Everyone’s experience is different, and that difference is not based simply on the stage of your cancer at diagnosis. (For instance, I fit right in with the other lymphedema sufferers in my cancer support group.) I will never understand the motivation of anyone who wants to belittle our experience and make us feel ashamed that we weren’t sick enough when our cancer was discovered.

Ariom · January 2015

Hello turtlelady! Welcome, to BCO There are many of us here......I have not read the article, but I really enjoyed reading your post and the observations of that article and your personal experience. The controversy about DCIS has been argued here, many times, it is just semantics, really. The issue is, that there is disagreement among Doctors too, which only muddies the waters further.

Obviously, there are going to be times when a woman is Dx with perhaps, a small area of grade 1 DCIS who decides to have a BMX, through fear, where that is perhaps not the best, treatment option. As you say, we are all different and we all have different reasons for making our decisions.

We have a member here named Beesie who has spent a great deal of time researching DCIS and posting the information for those of us Dx with it and for everyone with an interest in the subject. I printed her information out and gave it to family and friends when I was first Dx, just so everyone was on the same page and understood exactly, what was going on with me.

I am so sorry to read of all you've been through. There are many of us here who have this Dx and just as many different stories and experiences.

I guess I was very fortunate, when I was Dx, the surgeon who gave me that Dx at a Breastscreen Clinic in Australia explained to me that a Lumpectomy with Rads was what I should consider, as the right treatment for my Grade 3 DCIS. I found another surgeon who gave me the option of the Lumpectomy or a Mastectomy, if I wanted to avoid rads, that was, providing there was no surprises in the final pathology, he also told me that he could not in good conscience, remove my right breast, without doing a SNB, just in case.

Alhough my surgeon gave me a good explanation of what DCIS is, and even stated that if I was going to be Dx with "Breast Cancer", this was the Dx to have. He actually called it a "Form of Breast Cancer". He then went on to say, that although this is likely, not an invasive cancer," It is not to be trifled with" "we need to move on this. very soon".

I chose to have the Umx and SNB, for me, that was the right choice, I was lucky that there were no surprises, other than the area being larger than first thought, I have never had any regrets about my decision. I knew recon was not for me, I never considered it. I did have a few hiccups along the way, but fortunately nothing that couldn't be resolved and I am now 2 years out and feeling great.

I hope you can feel comfortable here at BCO, there are many threads on the subject of DCIS, LE and Mx surgery both with, or without recon. It is a great place to find like minded people, who are happy to share their experiences. I wish you all the very best!

trailrose · January 2015

Turtlelady- You have been through quite a lot! My Sister a former oncology counselor and 11yr survivor of Stage 3 breast cancer to this day says we should never belittle any woman who just has DCIS. It's still a cancer diagnosis! My BS suggested I should have a lumpectomy with 6 wks. radiation and I said no I want a bilateral mastectomy. Mine is high grade w/ comedonecrosis. I watched my sister go through chemo, radiation, zoladex inj., tamoxifen, a oophorectomy and hysterectomy. If, I in anyway,can prevent myself from having these things I will (of course until my final path. report comes in who knows!) The point is that every woman's decision is personal and we know what is best for ourselves and we must respect everyone's feelings, fears, and thoughts when it comes to cancer whether or not it is "Stage 0"

exbrnxgrl · January 2015

title lady,

Welcome to bco. You will find a very active DCIS forum so no question about those with DCIS having a place on BCO. Ariom mentions beesie, our resident DCIS expert. Here is a link to a great thread she started:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68/topic/...

There have also been extensive discussions about DCIS, and what it is or isn't on that forum. Lastly, I am so sorry that you have had such a rough time. It may be small consolation, but there are always possible negative experiences with whatever procedure we choose. No guarantees and you will find posts by women who regret having mx too. Do whatever you need to move forward and I will be thinking good thoughts for you

TB90 · January 2015

Turtlelady: Welcome to these boards, but sorry about your experience. I totally understand your frustration with the belittling of the DCIS diagnosis. Although I recognize that it is the "best" breast cancer to have if one has to have breast cancer, it is still breast cancer and can be unpredictable as well. Even with the best odds, there are women here who have had recurrences and stage four progression. You will receive a lot of support and accurate information here on DCIS boards, but there is some, albeit rare, minimizing on some of the other boards. I was just advised that I do not have cancer on another board the other day. I gently reminded her that it is cancer. I do not think that any of us are wanting this status, in fact, I would love to ditch this diagnosis right now. I think this diagnosis is unique in that we try to find a balance between being relieved for such a good prognosis versus the fear of the unknown. It is a struggle that I am currently in and know that I am getting through it, with time. Come here for support and know that we get it. ((((hugs)))))

MusicLover · January 2015

When I was first dx'd, I did a lot of reading about bc and I read the articles that down played DCIS and I thought to myself (maybe even posted something on here) about how the medical establishment may be attempting to improve their stats by treating DCIS aggressively BUT I have seen too many stories one here and met someone at my cancer center who went on to stage IV from stage 0. There are just no easy answers for this disease and anyone that thinks that cancer is straight forward, well, I think they're foolish.

I just saw another thread on here where the lady is being denied a BMX since she has DCIS (so, I wonder if her family can sue them when/if she doesn't beat this disease?)

Hopeful82014 · January 2015

And on the other hand I have an aunt who feels that the lx she was counseled to have was over treatment for her DCIS. I don't quite get that and sort of have to bite my tongue if the topic comes up.

Ariom · January 2015

There sure are some, who feel that way, Hopeful. There have also been many, who have had the High Grade DCIS Dx and decide to wait and watch, even when their Doctors have really strongly advised that their Dx,does not indicate that approach. I don't know what the answer is.

Hopeful82014 · January 2015

Ariom, I think we just have to research our options, ask lots of questions, pray and go with what feels right for ourselves. Oh yes, and bear with others who think differently.

Ariom · January 2015

That's so true, Hopeful!

Larkspur · January 2015

Hi, everyone,

This is my first post on this site, although I've been lurking here since I got my diagnosis earlier this month. I'm already very appreciative of the friendship and support in this online community.

I will meet with a breast surgeon next week to discuss my options; the waiting period, while frustrating (as you all know), has let me do a lot of reading and research on DCIS, including articles on its possible overtreatment.

It's hard for me to verbalize these thoughts, but I can't help feeling that I, and no doubt many others, have to some extent been placed unnecessarily on what I've started thinking of as a conveyor belt of fear: in my case, starting with the radiologist who met with me immediately after the follow-up mammo to an abnormal mammogram and urged me to have a biopsy RIGHT AWAY, to the young woman who arranged the referral who looked worried and wished me good luck, to the form letter from the surgeon who performed the biopsy, which said the findings were MALIGNANT, in bold-face! (Luckily, I'd already received this unwelcome news over the phone from my trusted and respected primary care doctor, or that letter would've sent me into major panic mode.) It wasn't till I found this site and did further reading here and elsewhere that I began to understand that while of course we need to take DCIS seriously, it's hardly in the same camp as, say, late-stage pancreatic cancer.

I don't believe that there's some huge evil conspiracy out there among Big Medicine and Big Pharma to terrify us into financially lucrative overtreatment, but it seems as though many of the health professionals I've encountered so far have been needlessly frightening, as if breast cancer--and cancer in general--aren't already scary enough. Are they trying to startle people who may be in denial into taking action, or are they just clueless?

SJW1 · January 2015

Dear Turtlelady,

I am so sorry to hear how difficult your life has become because of DCIS. A lumpectomy with radiation, like you chose, is a perfectly reasonable treatment for DCIS. But so is a mastectomy or active surveillance for that matter. There is no one size fits all treatment for DCIS. However, no matter what is chosen there are no guarantees. I have also heard many horror stories from women re complications from mastectomies for instance.

However, my take on the Cure Magazine article was different from yours. I thought Charlotte Huff did an excellent job of presenting the dilemma DCIS represents. While it is not cancer in the traditional sense that most people envision (an invasive cancer leading to death), it is still a non-invasive cancer with abnormal cells that can ultimately become cancerous.

Also DCIS is a heterogeneous disease, with not all DCIS being equal. Obviously this means that treatment recommendations could be very different from patient to patient. Ultimately, the final decision is very personal. Two women with exactly the same diagnosis may do very different things and both could be doing what was best for them. Everyone has the right to choose what will give them peace of mind.

You called me the "shining example for conservative treatment for DCIS" in the Charlotte Huff Cure Magazine article. Hardly! However I am a perfect example of the fact that there are also no guarantees that DCIS or invasive cancer will not recur. After 7 uneventful years since my DCIS diagnosis in 2007, unfortunately I was diagnosed with invasive cancer in the opposite breast this year. In spite of that, I do not regret choosing a lumpectomy without any addition treatment for my DCIS 7 years ago.

Based on the information I had back then, that I had one breast with DCIS and one healthy breast, I felt then and still now feel that a bilateral mastectomy would have been over treatment for me (Studies show that having a bilateral mastectomy do not lead to higher overall survival). Also, tamoxifen would have only reduced my risk of recurrence by an absolute value of less than 5 percent. Even if I had chosen radiation for the DCIS breast, it probably would not have prevented the recurrence in the opposite breast. However, all any of us can do is make the best decision possible with the information we have at the time. Once we do that, no one has the right to ridicule that decision.

Hoping things get better for you soon.

Hugs and good health,

Sandie Walters

wrenn · January 2015

Where is Beesie? Haven't seen her here for some time. I appreciate her knowledge and willingness to share with us.

Ariom · January 2015

I miss Beesie posting on this subject too, she has not posted regularly, for some time, but all her DCIS information is still available here and is quoted all the time. I don't know what I would have done without Beesie's input, when I arrived here after receiving my DCIS Dx.

TB90 · January 2015

I miss her terribly too. She was a life saver for me when I was first diagnosed and still wait and hope for her to respond. She was not just incredibly informative, but able to put studies and facts into perspective. I loved how she was able to make sense out of a lot of scientific data and put it into terms that I could easily understand. Miss you

wrenn · January 2015

I don't have dcisbut learned a lot from her.

cookiegal · January 2015

I feel for you.

My wire intention was beyond awful, so I know how you feel about that. I ended up with a shoulder injury from having my arm up so long, and I had a lot of trouble with my rads position.

I have lyphedema too and I know what a bottomless pit that feel like.

I also agree that the risk of truncal LE from rads is minimized and that is totally frustrating. I swelled from the get go and nobody took it seriously. The medical establishment minimizes the trauma of LE. Being slowly disfigured and forced to wear uncomfortable garments is pure misery and you can find a lot of support and tips on the LE board.

I don't know if this will make you feel better or worse, but I truly believe we get LE because we have week lymph symptoms and a mast might have given you LE as well, even with no nodes out.

I had a short but scary bout with depression about 3 months after I finished treatment brought on by my dreadful luck with side effects. There was about 6 months I was in constant pain and I could not work or drive. I cried all the time.

I hope things get better for you. A real life post treatment support group was a big help to me.

Life can get better, even with sucky lymphedema.

RAK1 · January 2015

Hello Turtlelady,

I was just recently Dx with DCIS.

I always believed I would opt for a mastectomy if there was any chance of cancer, but when the time came I became quite depressed that this was happening to me! Would I really have to make that choice? Could I make that choice? I didn't have anyone really to talk to about it. My mind was flooded with so may question and images!! I am doing what I believe is right for me I am sure of that, but I am equally sure that I don't know what I will feel when I am going through it all! I am so sorry that you have had such an awful experience! I don't believe any of us would choose this Dx if it were a choice. I like my body and I don't want to change it and go through months or years of pain. But I know my past and my life and what I think is best for me, I hope I am right!

When I was seventeen, I had a lump in my left breast. I had mammograms regularly to make sure everything was fine.

At 34 the lump was removed, thank God it was benign. several years ago I had a lump in my right breast, Dr biopsied and everything was fine again.

Throughout my life I have had several health issues and cancer scares in various parts of my body and I have been as diligent as one can be about my health. After my twenty year marriage to my ex-husband (His mother died from breast cancer when he was 15 years old) who is a pharmacist, he was supposed to provide health insurance for me which he did not. I was not able to get it because he did not go through Cobra. 11 years ago we had moved to Florida, I have four children with my ex. He would not give me permission to leave the state, so I needed to wait until my youngest was in college so that I could move back to NY. September 11th I retuned to NY where I am blessed to have insurance. I have been going to all kinds of appointments in order to gets check ups that I haven't had in seven years. This is difficult to say the least and the waiting makes me more anxious! Someone pray for me!

glennie19 · January 2015

The medical establishment minimizes lymphedema,,, and especially truncal LE. They just don't believe it is as common as it is. Surgery causes it,, rads cause it,, other kinds of trauma can cause it.

I had original diagnosis of Paget's,,, my BS wanted me to do lumpectomy and rads,,, I really didn't want rads and argued for a mastectomy which I got. Turns out that I had underlying DCIS. 6 months later ended up with truncal LE,,, despite his assurances that I would not due to the fact "that I'm thin and he only removed 6 nodes." Ignorance.

Turtlelady,, you have been thru some rough times. We are here for you. Wishing you peace.

glennie

Ariom · January 2015

Rak1, you've had a rough time, over a long period. So glad to see you are now able to get the medical care you need and can follow up on things you had to let go because of circumstances beyond your control. You'll find plenty of support here, everyone gets it!

We all understand your feelings about having to make the decision to remove your breasts, it is never easy and as you said, even if we think that's what we will do, should the situation present itself, we truly never know just how we will react when it is a reality. That's why, I always tell people who are expounding what they'd do in the same situation, that they'd be surprised to know that it isn't that simple when faced with such a huge decision.

In reading your Dx, you're stage 1a, I only mention this, for the sake of newbies who have a Dx of Pure DCIS which is never staged higher than stage O. Did you have a change of DX when you received your final Pathology, after your BMX surgery? If that is the case then your Dx is changed to IDC Grade 1 Stage 1a, the IDC takes priority over the DCIS, which was likely your initial Dx after biopsy.

I wish you all the very best for your recovery and for the future, please let us know, how you're getting on. You'll never be alone here, with many women who can relate to your situation, who will support and share their experiences with you.

RAK1 · January 2015

Thank you! I made the correction. Support is sure what I need!

Ariom · January 2015

RAK1, stick with us here while you wait for your surgery. I apologize, it was my error to assume you'd already had your BMX and that was how your Dx had changed, I didn't see the date, as February this year. So you have a bit more of a wait, till then.

Let us know how you're doing!

gracie0622 · January 2015

I am also a survivor of DCIS. I had it twice. First in 1999, which was treated with lumpectomy, radiation and 5 years of tamoxifen. Second occurrence was 2006. which was treated with a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Both times comedo of the left breast. In 2013, I developed an infection in the left implant (implants were terrible from the start). Had surgery to remove that implant, which left a very large open wound that is still very slowly closing and has developed scar tissue. (doctor says almost definitely scar tissue and has to be watched). My mother passed in 1962 at age 39 from breast cancer. I am very worried about my 23 year old daughter, Michelle. Looking into genetic testing. Right now, I'm not feeling so well with pain from arthritis, so I'll make this short, and offer my support and prayers. A flower for you for healing.

gracie0622 · January 2015

Many prayers for you, RAK1.

RAK1 · January 2015

Thank you all for your kind word and support, I need this!

Rak1

turtlelady · January 2015

I'd like to thank everyone for your participation in this thread. I've read all the posts several times and gained some strength from your support. To those who are needing it (e.g. gracie and RAK1) I hope you can feel the support that I am returning to you. :-)

I have read Beesie's article and found it to be excellent. Her description of DCIS as a pre-invasive cancer is clear and accurate.

Hi cookiegal, You made me cry, but it still feels better to not be so alone in this. I'm working on the PTSD and the truncal LE. Looks like I'm in for a long haul. The option of dying has entered my mind many times, but I'm still looking for some way to live.

turtlelady · January 2015

Hi Sandie Walters, I'm glad you found my post and joined in. Yes, of course, I was aware of your history and your support of Charlotte Huff's position because I read the Cure article, and cried for several hours afterward. At some point I hope you will join with those of us who are battling obfuscation. DCIS is cancer. It is a stage zero malignancy, simply because when it progresses to stage one the name is changed! A DCIS then becomes IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma). Calling a DCIS anything other than a cancer isn't simply semantics; it is false and harmful. And what is the motivation? Obfuscation of this type can only help insurance companies who want to deny payment for treatment. (We have already seen this happen on this DCIS discussion board.) No patient benefits from having her cancer trivialized. Reading that earlier article (not the later one in Cure) misled me into changing my long-standing plan, which ended up being a horrible mistake for ME. (I can't speak to the choices that others make.) Good doctors who want to be able to offer all possible treatment options are also harmed by any denigration of DCIS as "not-quite-cancer" or disparaging of mastectomy as a reasonable option. And yes BMX should be supported for women who choose it (for instance, for people who would rather not wait for the invasive cancer in the other breast that they will get seven years later.) Pretending that this carcinoma is not a real cancer serves no purpose, and only causes confusion. DCIS patients should not be made to feel unwelcome in the BC sisterhood. It is mean-spirited. Indefensible. Please help us end it.

I do hope you have no evidence of disease now, and wish you only the best.

MelissaDallas · January 2015

Turtlelady, your statement about "people who would rather not wait for the invasive cancer in the other breast that they will get seven years later" is not supported by fact, because the odds of contalateral cancer are not that high. The statistics from the NCI:

The cumulative 5- and 10-year probabilities of being diagnosed with a contralateral breast cancer among women initially diagnosed with a ductal breast carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were 4.3% (95% confidence interval, 3.6-5.0%) and 6.8% (95% confidence interval, 5.5-8.2%), respectively. These risks are 3.35 times greater than those for women without a history of breast cancer but are similar to those for women diagnosed with non-metastatic invasive ductal carcinomas of the breast. The cumulative 5- and 10-year probabilities of being diagnosed with a contralateral breast cancer among women initially diagnosed with a lobular breast carcinoma in situ (LCIS) were 11.9% (95% confidence interval, 9.5-14.3%) and 13.9% (95% confidence interval, 11.0-16.8%), respectively.

turtlelady · January 2015

Thanks, MelissaDallas, for the hearty laugh. :-) I needed that. Obviously, I didn't mean to suggest that everyone automatically gets an invasive BC seven years later. Indeed, such a statement would not be "supported by fact." That situation happened to the person to whom I was responding. So for her the statistics were 100%! If statistics are kept for wire placement procedures that go horribly wrong and result in PTSD, I bet they would be close to 0%. But I don't really care about those stats either, because for me it was 100%. I have heard that about 35% of BC patients (all types) get some form of lymphedema, (although there is disagreement on that). Once again, for me it was 100%. So I'm just trying to figure out who I am now and how I'm supposed to carry on. Reading an article full of facts and figures caused me to make a disastrous choice. I will wish every second of every day for the rest of my life that I had opted for a BMX. But honestly, I do appreciate you using the words carcinoma and cancer for "in situ" tumors, and not using expressions that trivialize our experience. So, genuinely, thanks for that.

RAK1 · January 2015

Turtlelady I so understand how you fee!

As I said in an earlier post that I had always believed that I would have the Mx.

What I didn't expect is now that I am at this point of making my decision, another decision had to be made.

Reconstruction or not! Oh gracie, I never wanted implants because my body is just so sensitive to foreign things.

However, My life is so much different now than it was all through out the many years I had my beliefs.

I am certainly not against them, it's just my body (concerned that my body may react against them) I am concern about.

As I accept the fact that it is time for my breast to go, I know that they have served their purpose well!

They are just no longer going to serve anyone well anymore!

My breast, aren't just the little bumps under my dress!

I breastfeed my four babies, and had very close friends and family members whose babies I breastfed also (of course just a meal or two)!

For me my breast bring back so many memories, I hadn't expected that they were so influential in my life!

As a awkward middle school kid I was teased terribly because I was a stick! I blossomed late.

I was nicknamed Flatlands and Flatbush (which are two avenues in Brooklyn) very hurtful!

I have 4 sister and a mother who had beautiful shapes. I used to pray that I would wake up with some curves.

I finally bloomed and like my body it wasn't quite the hour glass but it fit who I was.

As I got into my mid-forties my body change again and it was more womanly, I liked the change. Oddly enough though

at 51 I am the most comfortable in my skin as I have ever been! I am also going through so many other health conditions

and I just want to be okay! I pray for us all!! I want us to all get through this and be okay again, whatever that means!

Turlelady, I know what the black bottomless pit looks like because I have I lived there for many years!

There is hope to recover from PTSD I am a living witness! I am just feeling better again when I got

this whammy of a Dx!! My oh my!!!!

I know that there are many choices and I have considered them all. I think reconstructive is the way I will go!

I pray I will not have any other issues but there is no guarantee for any of this!

My sincere love and prayers for each and every woman on BCO!

May we find compassion and comfort from each other!

Robin

puppydog · February 2015

Hi turtlelady, so sorry for your experience. Just wanted to add that my sister had a similar experience. Terrible time with the wire insertions, rads caused lymphedema in her arm, etc. She chose not to use tamoxifen, because she was tired of the whole thing. Then 6 years later a stage 3 tumor in the opposite breast. Her battle is still going on, and she often says that she wishes she had had a double mastectomy back when the first little dcis appeared. She had MX with the 2nd tumor, (rads and chemo, too). But the LE made the surgeon reluctant to operate on the other breast, unless there's a recurrence there in the future. She's also been hurt by ppl making light of dcis. Yeah, absolutely everyone should work to combat that nonsense. a carcinoma is a cancer. raises the chance of additional cancers, etc. etc.

The DCIS "Controversy"

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