Wishing you the very best on the 15th. Praying for your complete healing. I can’t wrap my head around it either. Trying to reclaim some normalcy during this period.
I also had dcis insitu and just completed lumpectomy. Meet with oncologist next week but for same reason as you, will not be doing radiation and probably not hormone treatment either. Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel I am not alone in this decision.
Hi
I was just diagnosed in Oct this yr with dcis insitu. Surgery is Dec 15. I have been told it's not large , will be doing radiation after. Fearful of radiation as I have heart issues osteopenia with fracture t8. Anyone have their experience with this? I have read posts about doing radiation on your stomach, does it make a difference? Having a difficult time accepting this diagnosis.
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 am sure you have a million questions and anxiety is high.
The MRI will give the providers additional information on location and size of tumor and also check to make sure there are not any other suspicious spots. If the radiologist finds something, you may need to get an additional biopsy. That is what happen to me.
The more information you have prior to seeing surgeon, the better both of you are prepared to decide on what is best treatment plan for you. You do not want to rush into surgery without all the facts.
Take a breath, and take time to enjoy holidays. As I have suggested before, use the month to prepare. Depending on type of surgery you have, you may be laid up for a while. So if have things that need to be taken care of, use the next month to do those things. Busier you are, less time to worry about upcoming surgery.
If there is anything you can do to make yourself in better condition for surgery, do so. Maybe exercise / walk more than normal. If smoke, definitely stop.
Check if there is a support group for Breast Cancer in your area. If not, look for an online support group.
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.
Hi
I was just diagnosed in Oct this yr with dcis insitu. Surgery is Dec 15. I have been told it's not large , will be doing radiation after. Fearful of radiation as I have heart issues osteopenia with fracture t8. Anyone have their experience with this? I have read posts about doing radiation on your stomach, does it make a difference? Having a difficult time accepting this diagnosis.
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
I could not accept loosing my breast.
Read everything you can.
Make sure your DCIS is invasive.
If it is only confined to your ducts you have time to look into other options.
My oncologist told me about a pill I could take to shrink my clusters. If it works I would be looking at a lumpectomy and not a full mastectomy.
During my pre op test we found out my heart is not strong enough for surgery.
My DCIS is not invasive at this time.
I was scheduled to have one breast removed.
Before we had this new information.
My oncologist is a surgical oncologist. I will be talking to a medical oncologist.
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!
Hi
I was just diagnosed in Oct this yr with dcis insitu. Surgery is Dec 15. I have been told it's not large , will be doing radiation after. Fearful of radiation as I have heart issues osteopenia with fracture t8. Anyone have their experience with this? I have read posts about doing radiation on your stomach, does it make a difference? Having a difficult time accepting this diagnosis.
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.
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I know the unknown is hard!
These medical professionals really are so good at what they do. Any questions you have ask. 🙏💕
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2 ReactionsSounds like an optimal diagnosis! Congrats and blessings it does ot come back.
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3 ReactionsAlways get a second opinion
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2 ReactionsI 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.
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Helpful -
Hug
6 ReactionsI 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.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsI 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
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Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsWhat pill is this and does it shrink calcifications?
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1 ReactionI’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!
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 ReactionsI don’t know what the pill is.
My heart is not healthy enough for surgery.
I never got that pill.
Ask you medical oncologist
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2 ReactionsHello @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.
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