Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment?

Ductal Insitu is in the ducts
Invasive
Means it spread
To the canals ( that’s what I hav)
My Dr. Told me calcifications
Mean nothing.
An MRI picked up a cancerous cyst the Ultrasound and Mammogram
didn’t. I get
My results of my lymph on Tues
I had 3
Tumours removed and an augmentation., Surgeon and Plastic surgeon directed
Me away from a
Mastectomy to Skin saving
Lost
Bld supply areola& nipple
Necrosis but now circulation is returning after bad post
Op infection & still on IV antibiotics
I’m here for anyone
It’s not really a journey more of a nightmare
Try hard to Stay strong

They did it all the day of my surgery. I think they did give me a a pill to take that morning. I want to assure you, it wasn’t painful for me. I didn’t have a sentinel node where they just take one or two, I had axillary node dissection where they took as many as they could because the dye went to the internal mammary nodes and they couldn’t decide. Because this was 18 years ago and I think technology was not quite as good at our little rural hospital, my doctor decided this was best.
I did not have any issues with healing, I am not patient with myself and the minute I was given the go ahead I started forcing my arm a little higher each day. I used grooming my horse to accomplish this, a little higher on his side each day.
There wasn’t extended pain, but there is some numbness in the area. I am very careful to avoid anything constricting that arm and I never get injections on that side or blood draws, not even blood pressure cuffs.
Are you comfortable asking for a pill to relax you before surgery? Once they get you there, you could ask for a shot.😴 Does any of this ease your fears?

Did they inject the blue dye the day before your surgery? Did you take anything to relax you before hand or on the day of your surgery? Did you have any side effects from the sentinel node biopsy like numbness, pain or swelling that didn't go away? I did try to get a second opinion through UCSD but they can't see me until weeks after my surgery date. I was negligent in getting my mammogram as my previous one was 3.5 years prior so I don't really know when the calcifications began morphing into cancer. Hence, I am concerned about waiting. Yes, I am fearful and praying for less emotion and more strength. I have appreciated your responses.

As you are so fearful of everything related to this, I would probably recommend a second opinion. This does not have to be done immediately even if you decide to have it. You can afford to give yourself a little grace. Breast cancer induces anxiety and if your doctor doesn’t have the patience to address your fears, maybe that isn’t your best fit of a doctor.
Every single thing is a risk vs benefit decision for us, and that equation looks a little different for all of us. I had an axillary node removal (all available). I did not have any pain from the injection of the dye with the tracer, and I didn’t have any pain from the blue dye when the machine was broken to track the tracer.
It did have the side effect of blue breast and inner chest area for months. My husband referred to me as Mrs. Smurf for a while.
Also just a reminder about online forums. The people who write the most are the ones who had a problem, very few people get on to complain that it was no problem.
Have you considered getting a second opinion? Do you live in an area with a large teaching hospital or a cancer center?

I am fearful of the actual injection of the dye which I have read is quite painful. I also have a large hematoma (still present from my biopsy done in Nov. 2022) which concerns me in regards to having an injection in that area. I have also read studies that the procedure is not really necessary unless the tumor is above 3mm and/or you are having a complete mastectomy. The side affects are also a concern of mine as they can be permanent. Frankly, I am simply scared to death! My surgeon didn't have any patience when I expressed my concerns and told me I was too full of anxiety and I wouldn't heal properly if I don't get a grip."

Thank you, As it turns out, the original diagnosis was indeed DCIS in Situ.
However, there is since an Addendum which reads Invasive Carcinoma etc.
for which chemo is advised. I am seeing another oncologist on the 3rd of March for another opinion before scheduling the 1st round of chemo for which I am
advised I will need once a week for 12 weeks, then once every 3 weeks for a
year.
This came as quite a shock and I am not looking forward to the next months.
Pray for me as this came totally unexpected. The DCIS is a small part of
the original diagnosis. Lesson: Don't jump the gun!
Audrey

I would get the sentinel node biopsy if this were me. It is one or two nodes not all of them, and I wouldn’t want to find out later that it had already spread to the nodes and has now travelled elsewhere.
They call it a sentinel because it is like a guard shack, they will know if the cancer has come this way.
It is a small surgery and brings large peace of mind.
Is there something specific about this that makes you not want to have it?

There are alternatives to tamoxifen. Ask your doctor about these other medications. You have a choice.

Please let us know what your doctor/s say and good luck.

I was diagnosed with dogs in August2022. I had a lumpectomy +radiation(4 weeks). After this took place the doctor put me on tamoxifen for 5 years. I can't handle this medication. What would happen if I don't take this medication?

I was diagnosed with DCIS 18 months ago … Grade 3. I had two lumpectomies to make margins were clear … 20 radiation treatments and am on hormone suppressant meds for five years. I have not heard of chemo used for treating DCIS. I agree with others and would get a second opinion.