Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment?

Posted by tctredwell1 @tctredwell1, Aug 23, 2022

I was diagnosed with DCIS. I have to go in for a breast MRI with contrast tomorrow to see how active the cancer is. If it’s contained and not very active, do I have to have a lumpectomy?

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@melomelbee

I had all breast tissue removed in both breasts, nipple sparing, with silicone implants.
I wanted all breast tissue gone to lower my risks of any reoccurrence.
The skin is thin on the cancer breast. So they will do some lipo and fill it in. I actually schedule that procedure later this month.
It sounds like when they do the lumpectomy they want to do reduction augmentation to create symmetry. So they will remove tissue from the opposite breast as well so they are close to the same size.
When I was weighing my options I met with the radiation Dr. They wanted to do radiation and lumpectomy as well for me.
She agreed that I am really decreasing my chances of reoccurrence by having a mastectomy and agreed with my decision. That helped tremendously.

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I totally agree with bilateral mastectomy, I choose skin sparing and nipple was removed.
I also had radiation 6/1/2022.
My diagnosis HER2 stage 3 grade 3 and 1 lymph node.
I had a sentinel dissection (removal of 23 lymph nodes)
Cancer free waiting in reconstruction implants with fat graph for Symmetry.
Worth every bit - I will continue to be monitored for 5 years and I don’t stress about the past decisions, just focus on healthy life moving forward.
Not naive just a positive person!
Go for the bilateral mastectomy

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@melomelbee

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!!!

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I had 4mo chemo, lumpectomy, radiation. I still have infusions ( form of chemo) until next summer. Plus a cancer pill.

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@gaili

I had 4mo chemo, lumpectomy, radiation. I still have infusions ( form of chemo) until next summer. Plus a cancer pill.

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I’m so very sorry!!!!
How are you doing with all that?

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@melomelbee

I’m so very sorry!!!!
How are you doing with all that?

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I'm doing good. Tired alot.

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@rarelybees2889

I may be wrong, but I thought DCIS was a wait and watch thing, with extra testing and clinical breast exams, as its 0 stage?
So sorry you are experiencing this.

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@rarelybees2889 Gm... I heard and read somewhere the same thing you mention. But I don't think many (Me Included) would want to sit around and wait to see what happens. I also found out that, DCIS is non-invasive, but without treatment, the abnormal cells could progress to invasive cancer over time. Left untreated, it’s estimated 20-50 percent of DCIS cases may progress to invasive breast cancer. I would be trying to kick myself knowing I had the chance to have it removed, but instead waited for testing that could take maybe years while my cancer decides to spread slowly taken my life. Have a good day and stay safe

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@melomelbee

Hello
AI- Aromatase Inhibitors- hormone suppression meds.
I am 51 and post menopausal and they wanted to put me on hormone suppression meds.
Chose to decline.

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I don’t quite understand why when there is no estrogen and progesterone post menopausal

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@celica

I don’t quite understand why when there is no estrogen and progesterone post menopausal

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@celica the aromatase inhibitors suppress estrogen produced in the adrenal glands, which continues after menopause.

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I had a lumpectomy four days ago for what was diagnosed as DCIS stage 0. The thought of cancer inside me was far worse than the surgery. I finally looked closely at my breast last night and can't really see any difference in the appearance. I was initially told that I would have radiation, but I don't know when that begins. Since my cancer wasn't estrogen induced, I will not take the meds for 5 years. Yes, I am still worried, but the lumpectomy wasn't that bad. Good luck.

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DCIS
Recently diagnosed - weighing options

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@vcafaro

DCIS
Recently diagnosed - weighing options

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Have you had an Oncotype for DCIS?

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