Hi Gertygeegee, welcome! Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I had a lumpectomy for a 30mm area of DCIS in March. Just about to start radiotherapy. The breast surgeon took me through the options and likely results of different surgeries (both cosmetic and medical).  I'm small-chested. It's a good idea to write down all your questions before you go. My surgeon was very clear at explaining all the options and hopefully yours will be. Best of luck with the appointment xx

Hi Gertygeegee

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. 
I'm sure when you see your surgeon they will go through everything with you. I remember feeling a sense of calm after my surgeon appointment as i knew what the plan was.

When I was diagnosed with DCIS I was informed it was 97mm. I was a DD cup and the preferred option by myself and the surgeon was a Theraputic Mamoplasty, which is similar to a lumpectomy, they just reshape the boob after removing the cancer.

Following my first surgery I was really happy with the cosmetic outcome and the histology showed it was an area of 74mm. Unfortunately I didn't get clear margins so had to have a second surgery. I was really unlucky in that they found a further 4mm so ended up having to decide whether they tried for a 3rd time or a mastectomy with reconstruction. I chose to have a mastectomy which in the end was they right decision as they found a further areas that sliding show up on any of the scans. 

The hardest part is the decisions you have to make when you haven't a clue what is the best option....my advice would be, after speaking with your surgeon, to follow your gut. I'm sure as Case4 has said your breast surgeon will explain everything fully and you will have all the information to make an informed decision 

Cookie x

Hi Gertygeegee,

Sorry to find you on here and that you've had a diagnosis of DCIS.  Its such a difficult decision and you will be guided through it all with your surgeon.  I think it's important to go with your gut instinct too.  When I was diagnosed 18 months ago with DCIS and a 10mm invasive ductal my surgeon initially wanted to do a lumpectomy.  I kind of instinctively felt that I wanted to have a mastectomy, I just wanted everything gone and she did agree as I had the 2 areas of concern in a small boob. I've never regretted it and I had excellent margins and didn't have to have any further surgery, or radiotherapy.  Also my post op histology showed that there were some other areas of concern and LCIS so I know it was the right decision.  Sometimes things don't show up on biopsy and scans and are found after surgery.  No-one wants any nasty surprises.

After talking with your surgeon you will know what is right for you.  Good luck with everything, you will be fine.

Mary

Hello Cookie

So sorry to hear you've had this experience as it must have been difficult to go through more than one pertaining. I hope things are much better for you know. It's really kind to share your experience as it's very helpful to remember the surgeon is best placed to advise - and I need to stop trying to double guess before I see her!

x

Hello Mary and thanks for sharing your experience and your advice. It's good to know that you were able to make the right decision for you after weighing up all the options.

I hope you are recovered now xx