Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment?

I think the questions above are excellent and a good place to start. I had a DCIS diagnosis in July 2022 on a screening mammogram. I have no family history either. My area was 4 x 6 mm, so very small, but after meeting with breast clinic MD and surgeon at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN I elected to have a lumpectomy and also did 5 radiation treatments. I healed from surgery well, but still have some discomfort in the area that may take time to dissipate. There was no residual DCIS during my surgery. The biopsy likely removed all of it as it was small. I am now on Aromasin (aromatase inhibitor) to decrease estrogen production as my cells were estrogen positive. I am not sure I will stay on this med as it has some side effects that are challenging, but I'm hanging in there for now. DCIS is a tough diagnosis in my opinion, as providers are kind of all over in terms of treating and managing the diagnosis. Stage 0, pre-cancer are words you will hear--but then, lumpectomy, radiation, and meds are also words you will hear. If it isn't really a "cancer" why all the fuss was the question in my mind? Providers once again are still trying to come together around this diagnosis and proper treatment, without over treatment. I went ahead and did all that was recommended at the time and have no regrets, but your decision might be different based on your cells, size etc. Best wishes in managing this new health challenge....

Here are questions that Mayo Clinic lists on their article about DCIS https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dcis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371895

Below are some basic questions to ask your doctor about DCIS:
- What tests do I need to determine the type and stage of cancer?
- What treatment approach do you recommend?
- What are the possible side effects or complications of this treatment?
- In general, how effective is this treatment in women with a similar diagnosis?
- Am I a candidate for tamoxifen?
- Am I at risk of this condition recurring?
- Am I at risk of developing invasive breast cancer?
- How will you treat DCIS if it does return?
- How often will I need follow-up visits after I finish treatment?
- What lifestyle changes can help reduce my risk of a DCIS recurrence?
- Do I need a second opinion?
- Should I see a genetic counselor?

No I haven’t yet not quite sure what to ask

I'd like to add my welcome, @magalinebell1958. I moved your message about your recent diagnosis of DCIS to the Breast Cancer Support Group to this exisiting discussion:

- Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dcis/

I did this so that you can read previous posts and connect easily with many members along with @auntieoakley.

Have you started writing down questions to ask your doctor as you prepare for your upcoming appointment?

Okay be blessed

Most definitely will

I live in a rural area as well so I understand, it is about 1 1/2 hours for us. Our most awesome doctor is absolutely worth it. Please keep me posted about how you are doing.

Thanks for the information I’m from a small town so I travel almost 2 hours to the cancer facility so I go on the 11 of January for my MRI.

@magalinebell1958 I know how upsetting it is to have doctors tell you that you need to have surgery on your breast. Try not to Judge the plan yet, I would look to get a second opinion if possible before anything was done.
Cancer isn’t always hereditary, in fact many aren’t, most of my friends that have gotten cancer, did not have a family history. I am glad you are getting the MRI, as this can further diagnose or dispute diagnosis for you.
Since DCIS is a pre-cancer condition you have time to make he best decisions for yourself.
Are you comfortable with the doctor you have? Do you live in an area with access to a larger teaching hospital, or cancer center for a second opinion?

I was recently diagnosed with DCIS stage 0 I had a mammogram and they saw it than,I had a ultrasound biopsy now going to have an MRI I’m so upset so they want to just remove part of my nipple and no radiation there’s absolutely no cancer in my cousins sisters or mother should they watch it or get a second opinion please help.