Newly Diagnosed DCIS Stage 0, Grade 2: Still reeling

My 2 cents: absolutely go to the cancer center! I started at my local medical center but later ended up traveling a ways to a wonderful cancer center in Seattle. It made a huge difference, for the better. All reputable doctors should encourage patients to get second opinions. Don't think twice about that.
I was diagnosed in August with ILC & the first order of business was an MRI of both breasts & lymph nodes. So, yes, you should "demand" that. Demand is a strong word, but sometimes you have to advocate for yourself & this is one of those times! It's your body, your life. Hope this helps a little & sending good thoughts to you!

Ask your doctor to order an MRI.
My Gyn/ob, ordered mine because of breast cancer in my family. She felt the mammogram wasn’t enough. And she was right! It found DCIS at Stage 2 that was missed only six months before on a mammogram.
Dr Love’s Breast Book is the breast cancer Bible and explains a lot things your doctor doesn’t have time to talk about.
My insurance company nurse navigator was my lifeline. She was so much better than the hospital liaison.
Your breast cancer sisters here are good resources but do your own research. What works for me, won’t necessarily be your solution. Dr. Love’s book (7th edition) can be found on the internet. Lots of issues to consider.

@jmab thank you. prayers for your successful journey as well.

@beyourownadvocate thanks so much. I will look for that book. My Nurse navigator gave me a book as well. the Info dump at time of my meeting was like wah wah wah in Charlie Brown, but knowledge is power and I plan to research everything I can before I make a decision that will change my life.

The diagnosis is overwhelming by itself. Then you have to make so many decisions when all you can think of is “will I see my kids grow up”, “will I hold my grandchildren”?

Take a deep breath and take the time to think and decide clearly. 🥰

@birdie60, you're on a steep learning curve soaked in emotions. Be kind to yourself and keep asking questions. There are many women here reading to journey along side you, be your sherpa, and to be a virtual shoulder to lean on.

You can also use the group search to find many discussions related to your questions. For example:
@trammell1918 started this one
- Stage O DCIS and heart-related questions https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/stage-o-dcis/

And this one:
- Anyone diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/dcis-breast-cancer/

See all DCIS related discussions: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/

Getting a second opinion is also discussed here:
- A lot of questions: DCIS treatments and second opinions?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/a-lot-of-questions/
- Second opinions: I'm so glad I got one. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/second-opinions-1/

I originally went to myt new doctor for the Mammogram and biopsy. After i got them and the cancer diagnosis, I was given 2choices. The local surgeon with the medical group or City of Hope. My NP said she would want me to go to the COH. I did and got the best care ever,

I was 60 at the time. I had DCIS stage 0 grade 1 but a 7mm IDC 99%hormone positive HER-. Mammogram,2nd mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy- told it was cancer. I was in shock- but we chose to go to MDANDERSON in houston( 3 hr drive) . They did their own mammogram, ultrasound and then MRI. I chose lumpectomy and reconstruction at the same time. Then 15 days radiation and then given hormone blocker( that’s another story)There were 2 other procedures before surgery- I think another marker was put in and then day before surgery a dye to find lymph nodes- they took 3( negative for cancer) .
Someone said all the information sounded like wha wha wha ( Charlie Brown) So spot on… I had appointments before surgery with medical, surgical, and plastic oncologists . They’d give you information. I kept everything in folder/binder, and a journal . My experience at MDAnderson was very good. They have a hotel connected to surgery center (and all buildings )and in a wheelchair took me back to room. My surgery was 6 hrs and considered “out patient “ . This work out very well for me.
Slow down and breathe!

@colleenyoung thank you 🙂

@celestebradham thank you for sharing your story with me and the encouragement. Im really trying not to be fanatical about it... just trying to find all the information I can before I decide what procedure to go with. Lumpectomy w/ radiation, Mastectomy just one side or both sides, with or without reconstruction... it's just very overwhelming. The closest Cancer center to me is in Charlotte Area, or Winston-Salem, NC. I guess once I meet with the oncologist, and the surgeon, perhaps I will have peace about which method to choose. Thank you again.... 🙂