Hi everyone - I’m sure as most of you felt the first time you posted, I can’t believe I’m here! Scrolling through some of the discussions, though, I feel like I’m in excellent company.
I’m 34 and just diagnosed with high grade DCIS. Bit of a shock at first, as it was an incidental finding, but feeling better now I know what’s going on and am on the road to treatment. Doing my best to trust and stay positive as much as I can.
I’ll need a mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy, as it’s quite a large area affected, and I have a small chest, so it’s really the best/only option. Currently trying to decide on which reconstruction option to go with - DIEP or implants (or no recon). For those of you who’ve gone the DIEP route, how did you find the process? I guess with that I’m worried about the amount of scarring and recovery time. Implants freak me out as well, to be honest. So much information to process.
My biggest stress, to be honest, is my family, most of whom are in the States, and are all incredulous as to why I won’t be getting a double mastectomy, which my consultant says isn’t really the done thing here, but is widespread in America. Do any of you have any experience with asking for one here and getting/not getting one? Does anyone have any advise for dealing with well meaning but very pushy, opinionated family members?! Also, if there are any other groups on here you’ve found helpful, I’d love any recommendations!
Grateful to be able to speak in a safe space here. Lots of love to all 
