Full disclosure, the decisions I made were based on invasive ductal carcinoma, not DCIS. I agree with the barbaric statement, but I would also say that treatments are getting better all the time.
I was 38 when originally diagnosed, before all the genetic testing, oncotype, mammaprint or any of those type of tests were available. I received a pathology report, and a conversation with my amazing surgeon who said more surgery, then I will turn you over to oncology.
Chemo, more surgery, radiation then came tamoxifen for 5 years and anastrazole for 10.
I agree that we have to decide who to trust and then understand that it is an imperfect choice. We weigh all the decisions and make the best one we can. Because I was young and I really wanted to stop this thing, I did every treatment they recommended. It wasn’t always easy, but I am still here to whine about it almost 19 years later.
The most persistent side effect I have is hot flashes, to this day. I also get pretty stiff if I don’t get up and get moving.
May I ask your age range? Since you are asking about age, it must be relevant to you?