QUESTIONS - upcoming DCIS surgery

Hi ,I have been told that I have DCIS in August 19 ,I was told I was ok to go on holiday as it was within the next 2 weeks but had to wait for an op for 6 weeks  as it was a long haul flight .I don't know what grade ,nothing .When I got back I had a letter from the Consultant that I have my op on the 18 th of October and 4 weeks would be enough .Now I read all about how much brast could be taken away and whatever else ......getting really confused and upset now. And when should my pre op be ? .Thanks for any answer

  • Welcome to Cancer Chat diddymilo although I'm sorry about your diagnosis and for the reason you're joining us.

    Hopefully some of DCIS breast cancer ladies will be along soon to offer their support and advice but it may be worth getting in touch with your consultant to talk things through and find out what's going on.

    Our cancer nurses are also available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m if you'd like to have a quick chat with them about your situation as well.

    I hope you're able to get some answers and feel more at ease about your up-coming surgery soon diddymilo.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi diddy

    You should have a letter or phone call regarding the pre op assessment, they did mine a week before the actual op.

    It is scary but once the op is over you have some healing space before your full results are known, you will be called back to the breast clinic for this also.

    If you want copies of your results be sure to ask with each visit.

    If you've already had a letter from the local breast clinic you can give the nurses a call with any queries you have although they often contact the patient as well particular after the op.  

    Perhaps there was additional information included in your op date letter.

    Best wishes

  • HI there

    I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS last year. My care plan was:

    1) Meet surgeon to discuss my breast surgery option ie Lumpecomy or Mastecomy 

    (I chose lumectomy)

    2) I waited 4 months for my operation 

    3) one week before my op I had a pre-op assessment

    4) The day of op, I have wires inserted were the DCIS was so the surgeon knew what section of breast tissue needed to be moved. I also had radium isotone injected into the breast via the nipple area so the surgeon could remove any 'reative' lymph nodes.

    (I had 3 nodes removed)

    5) The amount of breast tissue removed was the size of a tennis ball, so the surgeon used other breast tissue to fill the gap.

    6) UnfortunateIy I was one of the 10% who didnt have clear margins so had to have another op

    7) After all ops I was prescribed tamoxifen and had 3 weeks of radiotherapy.

    Have you been allocated a breast nurse? if so call her and ask her all you want to know. I wouldnt be signing up for surgery unless I knew everything I need to know.