Pregnant 3 years after DCIS and DMX

Hi NanG,

First, I wanted to say congratulations! Second, I wanted to let you know that I was also pregnant after a BMX for DCIS. I was very ER+ and my doctors actually had no problem with me getting pregnant after my implant exchange, so my daughter was born 16 or so months after I was diagnosed. While I was preganant I was worried at times if my beng pregnant would cause a recurrence but all of my doctors said that I really had little to worry about because I had good margins and so little tissue left. While I didn't have hormonal therapy since I had the bmx, I did consult an oncologist who had me get a baseline mri before I became pregnant to get a sense of where any left over tissue was in case it swelled and freaked me out. It confirmed that I had very little tissue left, which helped calm my fears. Now that I have an active toddler, I'm more concerned with my general wellness than a recurrence due to the relatively low risk.

I wish you a wonderful pregnancy and delivery!

Nan- Congratulations on your new little addition! I can not answer the question regarding pregnancy after DCIS but I may be able to reassure you regarding the breast feeding/bottle feeding concerns. Three years before my DCIS I was diagnosed with peripartum cardiomyopathy after the birth of my little surprise at 40. I was quite ill and advised to stop breastfeeding at diagnosis-when my little one was 10 days old. I am a NICU nurse and had 18 years between my girls so I was really looking forward to nursing her and enjoying some time at home. I was surprised how much I missed nursing-it's not like I nursed my other daughter to two-she was five months when I stopped-but it felt like such a loss. I never thought I'd be one of those moms crying over breastfeeding but there I was! I am happy to tell you-formulas have come along way and while breastfeeding may be best for us to reduce our risk for breast cancer and for our little ones- their needs can be met very well by formula. I used Enfamil Gentlease, just one I liked from work experience but I would encourage you to ask your pediatrician what they recommend. My daughter is a very bright 4 year old and did just fine despite the lack of nursing. She is a character and blessing. I understand the loss, but if you can try not to dwell there and just love your little baby. He or she will do great and I bet your experiences will help you appreciate even more how special each day with your kids really is! Best of luck! 

Hi Nan,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I hope I can provide a little reassurance.

I had a single mx in 2010, with a 9.5cm tumor that was 100% ER+ / 100% PR+... and I have since gone on to have two children (ages 3 and 6 mo). I trust the research about pregnancy/breastfeeding being protective against BC, and otherwise am not really concerned about the act of having children leading to a new primary in my remaining breast. I will most likely be getting a prophy mx later this year, after I wean our 6 month old, out of concern for my lifetime risk of a new primary.

If you would like to have a midwife deliver your child, please don't forego that opportunity just because of bottle feeding! I would say, interview midwives carefully, explain your situation, and find out what their bottle feeding experience is, and/or whether they can connect you with resources to help (I'm assuming a home delivery here). If you deliver your baby in a hospital (even with a midwife), nurses will be caring for you and the baby thereafter and no doubt they will be able to help with bottle feeding.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

Hello Nang

I find myself in your situation right now. My doctors tell me I shouldn’t have a baby at all or wait 2 yrs after removing my cancer. I’m sooo worried if I get pregnant again I’ll have the cancer to come back. I wanted to see what is your thoughts on this pls blc u have been in my shoes. How did everhtibg go after get pergant abd having your homrones go up and down. Have u see any cancer coming back.