Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment?

@lmcintosh For me, there was a good reason to take the other breast off. I am just more comfortable with both gone than with one, and as I wrote, we are entitled to symmetry. I also had sensations in my other breast that turned out to be cysts and there was some atypical hyperplasia, so concern about cancer in the other breast can also be a reason.

The block wore off in a few days. I only took half a tylenol/codeine once a day around 4 pm despite the advice to "stay ahead of the pain." I did fine. Recovery was 6 weeks in the sense of not driving and not lifting more than 7 pounds, but I was fully functional much sooner than that.

I had no choice on the first mastectomy. My cancner was grade 3 with lymphovascular invasion. I also did not want radiation and my docs didn't want that for me either. You truly have a choice. Which is hard!

@millard this thread is for DCIS, sometimes referred to as stage 0 or a "precancer." I am sorry you have stage 4 and are dealing with these meds. I hope you can find a thread for MBS and probably a moderator will help you find one. You can also post on breastcancer.org. Good luck with your medications!

Thank you for sharing. I have heard so many what ifs...? I am leaning toward the double mastectomy at this point. Any complications with it and how was your recovery?
Lisa

I have been diagnosed with invasive DCIS 0
The surgeon recommended a lumpectomy with breast reduction/ argumentation
I was all prepped in a bilateral mastectomy
I am 66 but not on the bio identical hormone protocol anymore.
Will I need the estrogen antagonist
Will I still need radiation if I get a mastectomy?
I don’t want anything to come back either
Very difficult decision mis a reduction and lumpectomy the same as a partial mastectomy ?
So many questions…
Ty

Good morning,
I’m sorry you are going through this. I personally know the feeling.
I was diagnosed with IDC in one breast June 2022. Small tumor, clean lymph nodes.I chose a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I have done so much research and reoccurrence seems to occur with lumpectomy with radiation.
My surgery was 9/13/22 and I have no regrets. My tumor was 95% estrogen and 5%progesterone fed. My oncodx score was 6% reoccurrence in 10 yrs.
I chose not to do AI. There’s too many side effects and don’t want to take on more issues. It is a personal decision and it’s completely up to you and you alone. Don’t feel pressured.
Surgery was painful but you will be surprised on how fast your body heals and recovers.
Let me know if you have any questions. We need to support each other in our journey!
Best of luck!!!

Diagnosed 11, 2022, had lumpectomy 12-13-22, met with Radiation oncologist 1-10-23, recommended treatment 4 week Radiation, Hormone therapy.
I am 69 and a 21 year uterine cancer survivor.
I am praying this is right decision for me. Thoughts??

Thanks for sharing, I am sorry you had to join this club too. Have you had any issues with the mastectomy? Did they still recommend meds after the mastectomy? What was your % of reoccurrence after mastectomy? I was told 2% lifetime but I don't see that on any sites, I see 2% 10yr. My gut tells me just do the mastectomy and be done.
Prayers,
Lisa

Thank you!
My reoccurrence score was 3% if I were to take AI, 6% without. They only provide 10yr. There is no way to determine lifetime risk. They always recommend the meds. An additional 3% chance is not worth it to me to take on additional damage the AI will cause. I have a coworker that is on the AI and she now has bone issues, teeth issues, trigger finger and thyroid issues. All from AI. She’s on more meds now than ever.
I have had no issues from my mastectomy. I do have to go in and they will take a little fat from where they can to add some volume above the implant. The cancer was so close to the surface and they had to take every bit of tissue. So the skin is thin. I will do this sometime this year. I had a hard bump show up on the cancer free breast that basically is scar tissue from the trauma of surgery. Had a biopsy to confirm and all is well.
Let me know if you have anymore questions! 😊

What type of reconstruction did u have? Decisions to be made here too🙁… nipple saving, skin saving , implants, fat lipo, fat grafting? What is the difference between a breast reduction argumentation ( that’s what they recommend with a lumpectomy & radiation) and a partial mastectomy ; only the amount of breast tissue removed? Ty

Thankyou
I am definitely leaning towards mastectomy
I’m 66 so don’t need the meds. Don’t think since I’m off the hormone replacement
Can I get away without radiation if
My lymph is neagative?
What is A1?