Breast cancer DCIS and reconstruction

Was told today that I have a low grade DCIS cancer. I’ve opted for total mastectomy as there are 4 different areas and they are too far apart for partial removal. I think I’ll have reconstruction immediately from my stomach area, I’m a little worried. Will my new boob feel like my old one? Is my breast skin left on and the tissue removed then stomach fat inserted into breast skin covering? Or does the whole lot get removed and sewn back on round the edges of the new one? The nipple has to be removed as there is one behind it. How soon should I be thinking of getting a tattoo nipple? So many questions and not enough time to ask them all and get answers in the clinic as they are so busy. 
thanks for reading Busymum39

  • Hi Busymum39,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis and understand your concerns. Please don't let the fact that the breast clinics are so busy deter you from asking all these questions. You are entitled to know exactly what will be done before you sign up to surgery. Write down all of your questions and, if you can't get hold of your consultant, phone up your breast care nurse and ask her. They are busy too and you may find that you need to leave a message for her to call you back - they are usually quite quick to return your call.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine thank you for the welcome. I have another appointment soon so I’ll make sure I go armed with questions I’ve spoken to my nurse a few times but this was before this latest news.

    I’ll keep in touch. Thanks again 

  • Hi Busymum,

    I always went armed with a duplicate list of questions. I gave one to my hubby, who always came with me and he wrote down the answers as I asked the questions. Many of us forget important facts when we attend a consultation. It is also a fact that most of us forget about 80% of any conversation before we leave the hospital grounds.

    Good luck with your appointment.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx