DCIS decision time.

Hi , it's not an easy decision to make, it's almost better when you have no choice.  I was also asked if I wanted a lumpectomy to remove the cancer or whether I preferred a mastectomy.  My initial response was to say just remove the whole breast so it's definitely gone and so there is no breast tissue for it to come back in.  

My surgeon's response was that if it's going to come back it can even with a mastectomy, it can still come back in the same breast where the scar tissue is - I have literally just read a post where this has just happened to someone.  So my thinking was that I would prefer a lumpectomy so if it comes back it's away from my chest wall and I can have another lumpectomy or I can have a mastectomy at that point.

At this point I do feel I should point out that I was also told that for the vast majority of us the cancer doesn't come back so please don't panic. And if it does come back, even after a mastectomy, they will treat it but just be careful to continue checking the mastectomy site for any changes.  The lady in the post I just read assumed it couldn't come back on the mastectomy side so she had stopped checking that side

My surgeons view was that in my case  I would regret having a mastectomy and he thought a lumpectomy would be best with no real downside.

We are all different so bearing in mind what I said above if I were you I would go back to your surgeon and have another conversation with him over the pros and cons of each option and he should be able to help you make the right decision for you.

Wishing you all the best with your treatment xx

Thank you GodWilling for the response. I will now take time to compile some questions I have as my breast nurse is calling this week. I couldn't really speak after hearing the news and just left. Now with time to reflect, take the news in and advice from yourself that may I add was put really well. I feel much more focused and the fact you took the time to reply its greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

From someone who was very much take it away, when it actually came down to the decision it was the reconstruction I had more of a problem with.

I've had DCIS lumpectomy 3 goes to get clear margins, so after results tomorrow it may be I don't have a choice

A good FB group flat friends is very good for mastectomy discussions on going flat

Both my surgeon and BCN said lumpectomy with radiotherapy is the same as mastectomy nothing is guaranteed

Very difficult but I'm a big believer in

Whatever you decide was the best decision on the day

X

i was diagnosed with DCIS in the left breast and invasive ductal cancer and invasive lobular cancer in the right breast.  None of this showed on a mammogram!  I was offered a lumpectomy or a bilateral masectomy.  The consultant could'nt guarantee clear margins would be obtained with one surgery.  I decided to have a bilateral masectomy as I did not want to keep going back for surgery.  I start chemo next week and if I can get by BMI under 30 I have the option to have a reconstruction in 12 months.  I'm still thinking about that.

I spent a lot of time agonising over this same decision. I really feel for you it is so stressful. I was diagnosed with extensive DCIS is my left breast. I made up my mind before I saw the surgeon I would have a mastectomy because I felt it would be the safe bet and I didn’t think I could live with the uncertainty. My surgeon offered both but said he favoured a lumpectomy ie extraction because removal of the breast  does not guarantee it can never come back and the mastectomy carried a bigger risk of complications both short and long term for me (big boobs). I’m so glad he gave me his opinion. Over the next few days I decided to have the lumpectomy and I haven’t regretted it even though they found a  .7 cm tumour when they operated. That’s because I know I have the support of my cancer team. whatever happens. Most of us get surprises as we go through this.  What is hard to realise at the start is that you will be under their care for years, and treatments can be changed or added to as you go on. You still have the option for more radical treatment later. Are you having a genetic test? That would help you decide. It’s possible that your Mums cancer is not related to yours. Try to get as much info as you can to help you decide. You don’t have to rush. I had 3 surgical consents meeting before I could decide. xx