DCIS & HER2 positive

Hello, I had the same diagnosis as you two years ago, I had a grade 3 tumour (less than 2cm) surrounded by a mass of DCIS, and I was HER positive. 

I was told right from the start that DCIS can only be removed surgically and not by chemo. So whilst chemo will shrink the tumour it won't touch the DCIS. Once it turns cancerous (at some later date in the future or maybe never) then it can be shrunk with chemo. 

So, like you, I had to have a mastectomy. To be honest, it feels awful at the time but you are left with the reassurance that there is nothing left that is going to come back and bite you on the bum at some later date. 

I hope all the treatment goes well for you, and well done on getting through chemo, I guess you're having herceptin too for a while longer. 

Jane xx

hello again  

All the ladies I've met that have had only a DCIS diagnosis have all had mastectomies. You also need to consider that whilst the chemo reduced the Her2+ tumour it didn't disappear completely meaning your prognosis isn't as good as it would have been if you had a pathological complete response. If it were my diagnosis I would accept the MX. Take as many meetings with your surgeon as you need. Don't be rushed into things. There are reconstruction things to consider also. 

Julia X 

Thank you for all response. 

I have met the plastic surgeon 6 months ago ( really nice guy but how do I know if he is good) before Ive started my chemo. He's suggested that the best option for me would be TUG flap reconstructiom. Has anyone had that done, are you pleased with cosmetic effect? I would appreciate all comments. I am lucky enough to have private medical cover, which allows me to have some flexibility in choosing doctors. I am based in London & current plan is for my surgery to be in the McIndoe Hospital. Again, if anyone was hospitalised there I would appreciate comments. 

For the past 6 months I was hiding behind chemo & thinking that it will all dissapear as my side effects were very mild, I've managed to keep all my hair & even go to the gym. Currently have to face the music again & feel very scared, the "honeymoon period" is over...

I only had DCIS so I had it removed by WLE.  It was 11mm and surgeon felt she could get a good physical result and not leave me lopsided.  She did offer me a boob reduction of both breasts as I'm quite well endowed but I decided to just have the naughty bit removed. 

Hi my story so far is abit similar to yours, but mine is grade 2 her2 positive  can I ask how you found chemo pls. My lymph nodes are clear xx 

If it's just DCIS then it's just wide excision surgery that's needed . You don't need a mastectomy 

It depends on the size of the DCIS and location ie too close to the ribs or armpit, then a mastectomy is advised. But usually lumpectomy alone is sufficient 

I had 2 tumours, one albeit small.  Because they were in 2 different areas of my breast a mastectomy was in order.

Thankyou for the extra information on that