New to all this

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I was surprised to find I have dcis. I'm 56 with no cancer in my family (other than my father had prostate & skin cancers), but not any females with cancer in the family. It is Grade 2, hormone rec +, HER neg and only 9 mm in size. I don't smoke or drink alcohol, exercise regularly, not obese. I've tried to do everything right in living a healthy lifestyle. I'm waiting on a 2nd biopsy of another small lump that was of no concern previously. The plan given is to have a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and anti hormone tablets. As I'm quite small (A cup) wondering if I should ask for a mastectomy rather than lumpectomy? Will it make a difference one over the other? 

  • Hi  and a very warm welcome to the forum. Sorry you find yourself here but it’s a great place for support and shared experiences. Your case sounds similar to mine - diagnosed at 59, er positive, HER negative, lump a bit bigger at 13mm. Re lumpectomy v mastectomy…. So I am also small breasted as a B cup but mastectomy was never offered or discussed until after my lumpectomy when the oncologist was recommending radiotherapy. He said that lumpectomy plus radiotherapy would give same predicted outcome as mastectomy (without rads). When I asked if I could have had a mastectomy and therefore avoid rads, he said that it would be regarded as over treatment in my case. And it was too late anyway as I’d already had surgery! I’d say it’s worth discussing at the stage you’re at. I never thought of it at your stage, too shell shocked I think to query anything! In the end my treatment was exactly what you’ve mentioned above - wide local excision/ lumpectomy, radiotherapy and now on fourth year of Anastrozole, one of the hormone tablets commonly given to post menopausal women. 
    Wishing you well and sending a big virtual hug your way. Keep posting, ask questions and let us know how you’re getting on. Love and hugs, HFxx 

    HappyFeet1 xx
    Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts. – Hopi
  • Thank you Happy feet. I will discuss the options before having the procedure! xx