Large area DCIS diagnosed today

Hi,

What do you think is going to be shocking after Surgery, the pain or the fact you have one breast?  I had a mastectomy and I thought it would be really painful, my Surgeon said "you will be surprised how little pain you will have" I thought that was a strange statement but he was right not a lot of pain, on Day 2 I managed on Paracetamol, they give you stretching exercises to do and they are vital to follow. My BC Nurse said some ladies find it hard to look at their chest following surgery, I looked on Day 2 and quite honestly for me to be rid of the cancer was my main priority. 

Hi, that is so encouraging to hear that you had so little pain. That’s one less worry and I totally agree about getting rid of the disease being the priority, I cannot wait to be rid of it.

I can’t deny though that psychology I’m just so scared of the thought of looking at the aftermath of the surgery and the difference between both sides.

I didn't have a large area or mastectomy but I had high grade DCIS in one of my G cup breast.  I know what you mean about hating them, fitted tops/dresses a nightmare .  
Do I had 11mm of high grade DCIS removed via a Wide local excision (WLE ).  Initially they offered me reduction on other breast for matching pair but then decided it wouldn't be noticeable.  They look fine , certain tops I look a bit off but I probably always did.  I then had 15 sessions radiotherapy.  That was 6.5 years ago.  I still have tiny areas of calcifications but they monitor them closely with magnified mammograms each year up until last November.  Told me will be 3 yearly now - not really happy with this so may go private.  

Hi, and sorry that you have had to join us. I had a mastectomy in December and after much deliberation opted for immediate diep reconstruction. I had 34GG breasts and was offered a reduction on the other breast at the same time which I was eager to have. Once they are settled and all the swelling has gone I will be a D cup which I am very happy with. I’m not sure if it is offered everywhere but the option to have matching breasts made the decision easier for me. 
Good luck with whatever you decide xx

Thank you for sharing your experience, I hadn’t realised a reconstruction immediately on the affected side and a reduction on the other side was an option, but that sounds a great solution. I will ask the consultant when I meet him if this is a possibility for me. 
Do you mind my asking if you needed further treatment after this like hormone therapy or radiotherapy? 
Lisa xx

Hi Carol, thank you for telling me about your experience. I think I would probably have made the same choices if a WLE was an option for me.

I get why you are not happy with the 3 year checks, I would feel exactly the same.

Lisa x

Hi Lisa, I will be having radiotherapy as I had several areas of ILC which totalled 6cm and also hormone therapy as my cancer is ER+. I haven’t got the exact plan yet though - I have my first oncology appointment in 2 weeks. 
Jules x

Hi, sorry to hear your diagnosis.  I didn't have a mastectomy but two week's ago had lumpectomy and lymph node removal. Like you I am or was a large size 40H and was concerned at having one boob smaller than the other as consultant thought I'd be DD afterwards. Thankfully they said they could do reconstruction on the left side to match in with the right at the same time rather than 6 to 12 months time.

Currently not sure of my size as still swollen wearing post surgery bras in F,  but it's definitely worth asking if they can do both at same time.  I had know idea they could do it and so pleased they did.

Good luck

Hiya, I am post op by nearly three weeks with the same diagnosis as yourself. I came home from hospital and was surprised I didn’t require any pain relief.  I had requested to have both removed as I wanted to lower the risk, (as my mother and grandmother both died of cancer) I was told they couldn’t remove a healthy breast. I have still not looked and I really don’t want to. I am also really struggling with the lop sidedness. I reached rock bottom last week as I was told my results were not back and I was having to wait another week. I know these feelings will pass in time and I will grow to once again love my body. I am so glad the cancer is gone, I really am, but I do believe (reading from other people) you have to grieve the loss and this all takes time to process. Life with this really is a rollercoaster of emotions and each day can feel so different. Sending lots of love  

As well as DIEP reconstruction to consider, you could have an implant plus mammoplasty (reduction) on other side - if Surgeon thinks that's a sensible decision.