DCIS led to mastectomy

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Hi new here

im Clare, 34 (35 this month) and I’m 12 days post mastectomy

may 8th I found a lump in left breast, went to doctors following day and was referred to breast clinic at Macclesfield hospital. Had my appointment there on may 26th, where I had nurses feel around and an ultrasound guided biopsy. 3 weeks later I was diagnosed with DCIS and sent for a mammogram. Another 3 week wait I was told I’ll be going down the surgery route but they needed more info as such. By this time I found out I was pregnant and had a decision to make, but nature made that decision for me a few weeks later. I had to go back 3 days after mammogram results for a X-ray guided biopsy mammogram and a 3D mammogram on right breast followed by another ultrasound this time on right something showed up on first mammogram for this, but turned out to be nothing. 2 weeks later I went for TOP to find out baby died 3-4 previously, local anaesthetic later everything was removed. Another appointment at breast clinic that week was told they’re performing a single, skin sparing, nipple sacrificing mastectomy as a preventative treatment as they had all they needed with sentinel node removal and expander reconstruction. breast surgeon said if lumpectomy was performed I’d have a massive dint in breast and she didn’t want to risk leaving even 1 cell behind, lump grew to 8cm by 6cm. Fast forward to this august 21st and I have my surgery. Everything went well. Saw breast surgeon following day to find out I had a reaction to the radioactive dye and she had never seen this before.

I am now waiting for results of removed tissue etc. if it’s cancer I’ll be waiting another 6 weeks to see if it’s genetic. All this while waiting to see a plastic surgeon for DIEP reconstruction. 

what can I say about the expander? So far all I can say is that it’s so uncomfortable but Im glad it’s not forever. 

  • Hi MatteroffactOrCry

    Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with dcis and that you lost your baby.

    Wishing you the best of luck with whatever comes next.

    Best wishes

    Daisy53

    Community Champion Badge

  • Wow, that is a lot to cope with. So sorry for your loss. 
    I hope the next part of your journey is more positive.

  • hi clare, welcome to the forum, glad you found us, but sorry you had to.

    i cannot imagine how much you are dealing with, hope we can help where you need. hugs

  • Wow what a lot you have gone through. I’ve also been diagnosed with DCIS about the same size so my mastectomy is next week. To lose your baby too must have been so traumatic I’m sorry for your loss. I lost one in between baby 1 and 2 but at least it was before the whole DCIS. Like you say we have to think nature is somehow playing a part and you’ll get your rainbow baby I hope like I did in the end. Sending you love and hope the recovery goes well xx