BMX for DCIS Nuclear Grade 1

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SDWoman
SDWoman Member Posts: 113
edited November 2018 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I am 48 years old with a positive biopsy for DCIS (Nuclear grade 1, HR+, PR+) in my right breast.

I have lost a sister and 2 maternal cousins to breast cancer. I also have an aunt and another cousin that are survivors.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a breast surgeon and I am really hoping for a BMX to just be done with the worry. I also am not a fan of the radiation and tamoxifen that I likely will need to have if I get just a lumpectomy?

I am hoping that my surgeon agrees to do a BMX but want to be prepared in the event it isn't an option. Has anyone ever been told they can't have a BMX for DCIS?

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Comments

  • Luckynumber47
    Luckynumber47 Member Posts: 397
    edited November 2018

    You may get pushback from your dr because they will consider it over treatment. They will quote studies about lumpectomy vs mastectomy being equal long term but this is your choice and they work for you. If you want a BMX insist on one or find a dr who will listen to you

    You might also want to do genetic testing. With a strong family history it's good to know what you're up against.

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  • MDRR
    MDRR Member Posts: 133
    edited November 2018

    When I had my DCIS diagnosis the surgeon spent alot of time talking about both mastectomy and lumpectomy, and yes, that the 20 year survival rates are the same. I think you're smart to review all options and make the choice that's right for you. My surgeon informed me, but it was my decision. I opted for lumpectomy and had planned radiation. However when the surgical pathology came back from the lumpectomy, they found mine had advanced beyond DCIS and had become invasive. So one month later I had the bilateral mastectomy. Throughout the process, the decisions made were mine, informed by the surgeon, and that was a very powerful piece to getting through it and healing. I encourage you to feel comfortable exploring the options, weighing them, and hopefully the surgeon will work with you in finding the optimal plan that works for you. I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted.

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  • Nursepatient35
    Nursepatient35 Member Posts: 166
    edited November 2018

    I asked my surgeon if I was her daughter, what would she recommend. She said a bilateral mastectomy. If you feel it in your gut that a BMX is what you want, don't let the surgeon try to talk you out of it. Yes it was a rough few months with that, expanders and exchange surgery but I'm so glad it's all behind me now and I don't have to be on tamoxifen for 5 years or go through mammograms wondering if it'll show back up.

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  • VegGal
    VegGal Member Posts: 507
    edited November 2018

    I agree. Find someone to help you do what you feel is best for you. 

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  • SDWoman
    SDWoman Member Posts: 113
    edited November 2018

    Thanks all! I had my appointment this morning and without a doubt my surgeon is on board for a BMX. I am so relieved!

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  • MDRR
    MDRR Member Posts: 133
    edited November 2018

    That's wonderful - great to hear your surgeon is a partner in your decisions; best of luck with the surgery and keep us posted on your progress.

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  • AliceBastable
    AliceBastable Member Posts: 3,461
    edited November 2018

    I understand that lumpectomy + radiation = mastectomy in terms of survival rate, but the decision for either is based on size and location of tumors and other factors, including genetic risks for recurrence. Chemo is a possibility no matter which surgery is chosen, and is based on post-op pathology. Anti-hormonals are for er/pr+ no matter what surgery was chosen.

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