Anyone diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer?

I know the unknown is hard!
These medical professionals really are so good at what they do. Any questions you have ask. 🙏💕

Sounds like an optimal diagnosis! Congrats and blessings it does ot come back.

Always get a second opinion

I had 3 mammograms and 4 needle biopsies so thats enough for me . I worked at this hospitsl for 34yrs . Know everyone in the dept and trust my physcian.

I had DCIS high grade and my surgeon sent me for a MRI. The MRI is far more detailed than the mammogram or ultrasound so it will ensure your surgeon has the fullest picture to plan your surgery and give you your options. It’s worth noting that ultimately you won’t have the full picture until you get the pathology results after your surgery. For me the MRI showed it was more extensive than the mammogram so a lumpectomy was no longer a viable option and I needed a mastectomy. From time of my biopsy to final pathology post surgery for me it was 8 weeks (would have been 6 weeks if it was lumpectomy) - this waiting period to get all the pieces of the puzzle is very hard I won’t lie. You have to try to keep busy and somehow distract yourself. I’m guessing your wait is longer because of the holiday season but always worth following up to see if you can see you surgeon sooner as results for MRI take about a week. The good news is your have DCIS which is non invasive and hopefully the MRI and final pathology will confirm this.

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

What pill is this and does it shrink calcifications?

I’m on tamoxifen. For me the drug blocks the estrogen receptors in the breast but has allowed estrogen in other body areas. My vaginal atrophy and facial skin darkening (melasma) that were problems prior to DCIS, has gone away. I do not have hot flashes. I did develop headaches on 20 mg, and am now on a lower dose. The lower dose is a concession to the preferred 20 mg - but the doctor wants me on hormone therapy and has approved the lower dose.
I had osteoporosis prior to DCIS diagnosis. I have had one Reclast infusion, and along with the tamoxifen, my bone density improved and I am at osteopenia. I had a 6% increase in my spine!

I don’t know what the pill is.
My heart is not healthy enough for surgery.
I never got that pill.
Ask you medical oncologist

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.