Always get a second opinion

I had DCIS intermediate grade. Had a lumpectomy but had to have three surgeries to get it all. The third surgery I went to a bigger hospital and they did an MRI. He was also a breat cancer specialist. I wish I would have went to him the first time instead of the first dr. Who was a general surgeon. I am doing the radiation now and am not having any problems. In and out in 10 minutes. Have 4 weeks of treatment. I will not be taking the medicine. Too many side effects. Good luck to you. God bless

Hello @sue417 -
I am sorry you were diagnosed with DCIS; I understand your many feelings! I had DCIS on my right breast and had a "Partial Mastectomy" with immediate breast reconstruction (both breasts) in Nov 2019. I didn't want Radiation either; I, too, had Osteopenia. However, I had to do 6 weeks of radiation because some of my margins were not "clear". Following the surgery, the surgeon explained she would have had to cut into my chest muscles to be able to take any additional tissue. During the surgery, she conferred with the radio-oncologist, and they planned not to cut into my chest muscles because the radiation treatment would take care of the residual cancer cells.

My radio-oncologist had me on my belly for each treatment. He was very sure it WOULD be better for me. He explained that there is lesser potential damage to other organs, such as the lungs and the heart (if the radiation is on the LEFT side). The position (on my belly) was not as comfortable, but my goal was to lessen any potential radiation damage. It has been nearly 4 years since my radiation treatments, and things are seemingly going well.

I would highly recommend you talk to your radio oncologist about any other positions or types of radiation treatment. And remember, you can ask for second and third opinions.

I will be thinking about you on 15 Dec. You are NOT alone; we all felt the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty you may be experiencing. We are all going to be with you in spirit.

A BIG HUG!
D.