Just diagnosed extensive dcis suggested mastectomy

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Doglover32
Doglover32 Member Posts: 19
edited September 2017 in Just Diagnosed

I am 41 years old and my two biopsies on my left breast came back malignant 6 days ago. It has been 6 days in a whirlwind of emotions. Not to mention Breast surgeon visit, mri and genetic counseling. I still don't think I have wrapped my head around the fact that this is really happening. I was diagnosed with extensive ductal carcinoma in situ grade 3. I have lesions in multiple ducts from 11 o clock to 4 o clock. Since it is such a large area my surgeon has suggested mastectomy. I was preparing myself for the dcis diagnosis, but was shocked to hear mastectomy. I'm waiting on genetic testing results since I have lots of cancer history in my family and wondering if I should do a bilateral mastectomy. I'm very overwhelmed.

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  • Herculesmulligan
    Herculesmulligan Member Posts: 175
    edited September 2017

    dog lover.......sorry you have to be on these boards with us, but welcome. It's awful in the beginning but it does start to feel more normal later on. It sounds like you have some more info to gather before you can make any decisions. I'm guessing your surgeon recommended mastectomy over lumpectomy because of the large amount of tissue needing to be removed. Given that there are no genetic reasons to do a bilateral mastectomy, maybe you could keep the non affected breast. I had a bilateral mastectomy bc I had invasive carcinoma in one and LCIS in the other. You other ladies out there who had unilateral mastectomy: how do you feel about your decision? Would you do it over again?

    Oh and it's ok to feel overwhelmed. This is overwhelming territory.


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  • Doglover32
    Doglover32 Member Posts: 19
    edited September 2017

    Hi Hercules! Yes, my breast surgeon recommended mastectomy on the left side due to the extensive DCIS. I'm awaiting results from genetic testing before making a decision about getting a bilateral mastectomy. I was diagnosed young, after just turning 41 and I have breast cancer history in my family (grandma, aunt and 2 of my dad's cousins)

    Even if I do just the uni mastectomy on the left I will need to have a reduction on the right breast. I'm a 40 F bra size and have debated getting a reduction in the past anyway. Now we're at the point beyond choice of having surgery.

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  • buffyjc
    buffyjc Member Posts: 61
    edited September 2017

    Doglover - I'm so sorry you have to join us. It's completely understandable that you feel overwhelmed.

    I can relate to much of your story. I was diagnosed in February of this year, just one month after my 41st birthday, with intermediate grade DCIS. My mom was diagnosed 10 years ago with IDC and DCIS at the age of 59. Due to having a close family member diagnosed with BC, I was offered genetic counseling and testing. Thankfully, my results were negative for everything! After having my MRI, my DCIS was shown to be extensive and that's when my BS and I began talking more in terms of mastectomy instead of lumpectomy. A lumpectomy would've removed 1/3 of my breast so, it really wasn't an option for me any longer. My BS said I was a candidate for nipple-sparing mastectomy so that's what I had. At first, the thought of a mastectomy was terrifying but I realized my fears were largely due to never having a major surgery aside from my planned c-sections. I had never been given general anesthesia so I was extremely apprehensive about it. I'm now 5 months post-op and feel very much at peace with everything. I also don't regret not having a bilateral mastectomy. I chose not to sacrifice a healthy breast but I COMPLETELY understand and fully support women who choose a prophylactic mastectomy.

    Good luck to you! So many of us have been in your position and know how you're feeling! Breathe...and then vent on these boards! :) We're here to offer support! ((hugs))

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