DCIS - can surgery be avoided?

I was diagnosed with  of DCIS in June 2015.  On biopsy told 10mm intermediate grade.  After changed to surgery 11mm high grade.  No invasive cells.  I lumpectomy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy.  My surgeon told me on diagnosis that some consider it over treatment but she felt it the safest option.  

I was this week signed off from BC unit after my 5 year mammogram was clear. 

I realise a mastectomy is more drastic surgery but I would have had it as I just wanted it out !

Hi

I found a lump in August. I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS. Due to the size of area 5.2 cm I was referred for 3 separate biopsies to be sure there was no invasive there. The surgeon advised he could not be 100% certain it was all DCIS and didn’t want to miss anything. 
I had mastectomy with immediate reconstruction 6 weeks ago. I was petrified about surgery but it was nowhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. Im happy I did it as it’s now all out and can’t do me any further harm. Histology showed it was all DCIS. 

Your question has made me look at my profile and I realise I never updated with the actual finding and size .... 75mm ... nearly 3" (inches) - I will update profile.  I was first offered a 'therapeutic mammoplasty' ... operation to the one boob and the other boob reduced to 'match'.  After looking into treatment and I can hear my fellow Fruit Loops saying.... here she goes again; I have to, I have to, if this operation can help just one lady then I feel I have helped....

So, I had a combined operation called 'TARGI IORT' this is a 'Lumpectomy and 'internal Radiotherapy' - given in the 'same' operation.  Treatment done, finished with... other than a tablet taken daily for the next 5 to 10 years with a view of reducing/stopping any more.

My Consultant said there was no need to have 'therapeutic mammoplasty' as even with the size that I needed removing due to the side of my chest, my body would 'fill' the space. Yes I would be a little lope sided but nothing that warranted me to have the bigger operation.

I the operation was straight forward, I stayed in overnight, had no pain in operation site area - slight stinging pain at site of sentinel node biopsy and that was it.  From what I have read from other ladies on here, this is the same with mastectomy - very little pain.  Don;t get me wrong all operating carry risks, however, if you do as you are told - you will minimise most risks.  

The operation I had is called TARGIT IORT it is available at a few NHS hospitals and privately, sadly most Consultants don't mention this type of operation due to internal disputes involving concerns by Radiotherapists that this could see them loosing their jobs - crazy!!

I would say, to you and to Ricecrispie, have a look at all options, but most of all go for surgery.  I know fear can lead us to bury our heads in the same and believe me I am one of these people .... but for this, I felt and still feel that you can't leave it - I think mentally it will pull your apart, you will spend so much time worrying and questioning how things are.  Plus like dearest Snowys Mum said, our late member, Chloecat45 tried every way to avoid surgery - she research so much to avoid surgery, trying so many types of treatments to 'avoid' surgery, in the end, she ended up having virtually every treatment possible.

All this said, we are here for you and there is no judging, we are here to support and help you in any way we can.

G xx

Ah. Interesting. I'm seeing him Wedn, and he'll probably say the same. Thanks. 

It's good to know you're pleased it's all gone. I guess there's no other way of knowing except surgery. Thanks. Were you pleased with the reconstruction? 

Thanks G. Interesting about TARGIT IORT. The trial conclusions look great. What's therapeutic mammoplasty? 

Thanks Moresleep. 

True. Thanks. 

Thanks Grogg. I'm glad you're a NEDDY! 

BTW. What's the Awake Thread? Thanks.