dcis found during lumpectomy

Jostar .. I was the same (see my profile). I am on yearly mammograms now although this years is delayed. Mammograms aren’t 100% and we are always told to self examine anyway. I know where you’re coming from with this. I often wondered about my remaining breast, was dcis/idc  there and not seen, but those nagging thoughts have lessened somewhat over time. I used to regularly ask about it at my early appointments but it didn’t change my follow up. As mine was an interval BC (in between routine mammograms) I seem to recollect that the mammograms would have been reviewed.  I routinely self examine and even the slightest niggle I would be hot footing it to the GP. 

Best wishes xx

Hi Flossie25, 

Thank you for your reply. You are right in that it is important to self examine. But it still worries me. I will learn to stop worrying all the time...hopefully things will get better on my journey. 

I am so pleased for you that you have come through and hopefully stronger.

Thanks again xxx

Hi Jostar,

I had IDC too and they found some DCIS in areas around it when analysing all tissue removed after my mx. I suspect this may well be reasonably common, the theory is that DCIS is the very start of bc, it becomes IDC when it breaks out of the ‘in situ’, or in plain English, breaks out of the milk ducts and invades the rest of the breast tissue.

Hope that helps? I agree with Flossie too that checking yourself is really important, and should be done regularly. (That’s how mine was found, I’d gone past the regular scan age) 

Hugs xxx

Hi

I had had a mammogram and had been told all clear, a couple of weeks later I saw my GP regarding a lump, he said he couldn't feel a lump even though Hubby and I could!  GP said as you've just had a mammogram, theirs no need to worry, had another GP visit, when I was referred  which was several months after my first GP visit, my tumour was 4cm and 1cm DCIS!  I had a Mastectomy as I'm small breasted there was no alternative for me. 

It is frightening that they can be missed, now I am quite persistent if I'm worried, it might irritate my Surgeon but I've already trusted medics and paid the price, it would have been smaller if precious time hadn't been lost.  

It is annoying but more upsetting in my experience that they can be missed. Mammograms are not 100% I now ask for an ultrasound as well as the Mammogram as I have very dense breast tissue which also makes it difficult to detect tumours. 

Its not unusual to have Surgery and them find DCIS as well as the tumour.  As you had an ultrasound as well, its most likely all out now. Have you had a Body Scan? 

A cancer diagnosis brings with it so much anxiety and stress, and what ifs.  It gets a little easier with time but life is never the same as pre-diagnosis in my opinion, I yearn for my old life back pre-cancer.

Best Wishes. 

Hi

My DCIS was found on a mammogram. I did not have a lump or any other symptoms. Had ultrasound , further mammograms and biopsies. Like you I have small breast and as I had two areas of calcification doctor advised mastcetomy with immediate implant. Was therefore shocked when pathology results showed 30mm tumour. I also have dense breast tissue. I am now anxiously waiting for the results of bone scan and ct scan and see Oncologist in 3 weeks. Cancer diagnosis is a stressful worrying time.  I thought I would have the surgery and then I would be getting my life back on track instead I am waiting to start chemo, whenever that may be. 

This chat group has been very informative and when I get to start my chemotherapy I will be forever posting questions as I know there is a wealth of experiences out there.

L x

Hi Lindyloo11, 

Ahhh I know it is always an unknown journey till you get as many parts to the results? The 3cm was it dcis? Or was it dic?

Like you I'm still waiting to find out chemo or not and will have questions. 

I've been taking a day at a time in this. 

Take care xx

Hi

Thought I had DCIS but lymph nodes show some cancer cells. 

Just waiting now for Oncologist telephone consultation.

Getting on with life until I start chemotherapy.

Take care

Linda x

Hi Jostar 

I had no lump, but  went for routine mammogram , the consultant had concerns as the mammogram picture looked as if the tissue in my breast looked kind of squashed compared to other breast. Biopsies confirmed DCIS and the MRI showed 2 more areas of cancer . Mammograms do not always pick up tumours.  I ended up having mastectomy in June 2019, but thankfully my margins were clear so I take Letrozole now. I am due to go for mammogram on my right breast next week, my annual check up. Feeling more nervous about this mammogram as didn't expect that last year.

Hope all goes well for you.

Stay positive that's the main thing.

Rita 

Hi Jostar

I had a mammogram in October and Ultrasound...there were many cycsts and scattered calcification.  She told me nothing to worry about. In November I found a lump that was craggy...biopsies followed and in Feb had a 5cm Fibroadenoma removed. On thursday I was told I had DCIS ...only early but now have to have a partial mastectomy which could lead to a full mastectomy . I know there are calcifications scattered all over ...and what about my other breast ?! 

I think all we can do is be honest with our consultant and speak openly with our cancer nurses. I  know its a very scary time ..sending virtual hugs to you my lovely x

Hi Jostar,

I had a lumpectomy a few weeks ago after having a tumour found on an ultrasound early February. I had an MRI in March and when I went for my results of the op yesterday they told me that although they got all the invasive cancer out, I also have DCIS and several areas of concern in my breast that they have clipped to keep an eye on.  I had no idea about these areas that they could see on the MRI so it’s come as another shock that I am going to have to have more surgery later in the year after chemo and before radiotherapy. I’m likely looking at a mastectomy this time as they have already taken quite a lot of breast tissue out.

It’s all pretty scary as I’m only 36 and have a 3 year old and 10 month old and I worry every day that I won’t get to see them grow up. I have to put my trust in the doctors when they say they can ‘cure’ this and all my treatment now is to stop it coming back.

My tumour was also bigger than they estimated (1.4cm and was 3.5cm) and had 8 lymph nodes infected and it was upgraded from grade 2 to grade 3.