Hi all, I’m new here but delighted to find you all. I’m 49, I found a lump in Dec, this was a cyst. They discovered micro calcification and did a vacuum biopsy. I was told that it was very unlikely to be dcis as it was diffuse. It was dcis, and the consultant told me I’d surprised them! I had a lumpectomy on 19 Jan, and was told on 31 st that the lesion was 6cm rather than the 1.5cm expected. I’ve been advised to have a mx, although there is a clear margin and It’s not invasive.
I’m stunned really, I had felt really lucky that it was found till that point. I’m now starting to worry about what else they’ll find, and also about the other breast which looked clear. My mother is currently on her 3rd chemo for stage 3 bc, but had dcis 18 years ago in the other breast. Her dcis didn’t show on the mammogram. My consultant says not to worry about the genetics as they’ll keep an eye on me. Any similar experiences would be welcome.
Also, I was thinking about reconstruction immediately, but my bcn seems against it in case I need more treatment, which I shouldn’t if they’re right. I prefer a simple expander implant I think. Any advice would be lovely.
Thanks everyone, Lynne
Hi Bubbletrouble,
Bittersweet welcome to you. I can’t help you at all with your request re: implant but as your post appears to have got lost in a day’s postings, I thought I’d bump it up for you and hope that someone can give you some constructive advice.
all the best for your future treatment - Love & hugs xx Chris xx
Thanks Chris. I’ve not had any replies, but I’m reading through previous posts and thinking I don’t know what to do. The expander sounded so simple…wondering whether I can deal with it and not have recon. Scary, especially as I’m single. The whole thing is scary. Well, I’ll see how I feel after my chat with my bcn on weds. I hope all is ok for you Chris, Xx
Hi Lynne,
Sorry you are having such tough time. I also have DCIS, and tumour, originally about 5cm. I have had chemo, and the lump has now shrunk away considerably. However, like you, I need a mastectomy because of the DCIS.
Unlike you, I was told this at diagnosis, and from what other women have said on this site, that is SO much easier. Yes, an initial shock, but I can really sympathises, when the bad news just seems to get worse…
I am going to have rads, so will not have an immediate recon. There are so many dif options, I’m sure you and your surgeon will work out what feels best for you. I hope this helps. Please feel free to pm me if you need to,
Tracey
Hi Lynne,
Very sorry that you have had a run of bad news. It muct be especially hard as your mum is having chemotherapy at the moment also.
Like Tracey I’ve had chemo upfront and a full mx is planned for my 5cm tumour as I have extensive DCIS as well.
I have been offered an expander implant which conserves the skin and then a tram flap reconstruction after radiotherapy.
Your breast care nurse or consultant can go through the options with you and it is worth asking to see the plastic surgeon also. I discussed my options back in October ( seems like such a long time ago) and plans haven’t changed.
I do hope you get some straightforward answers and that you are able to have the expander reconstruction if you so wish.
Very best wishes,
Sue
Thank you both sue and Tracy. It’s good to hear from people who’ve been there. I’m definitely going to think hard before deciding anything, but It’s more difficult when I never seem to have the whole story. guess the loss of control is one of the difficulties. Best wishes, Lynne
Hi Lynne
I had widespread dcis last year and had a mx on March 19th with immediate recon of an ld flap and implant. I was really pleased with the result although i later lost the implant due to infection. I am now left with just the ld flap which on a smaller breast would prob look fine (Im an E cup) but even so, its just one cup size smaller than the “good” side. I will prob have the implant put back in at the end of this year. My personal experience was good and i felt that the cancer had been completely taken away when i awoke from the surgery. If you have any questions please ask away.
best of luck
deed
x
Hi Lynne,
I had a bilateral mx Feb last year, I had 2 invasive cancers/lumps, but also had lots of DCIS. Mx was on the table straight away and I opted to have temp expander implants placed under the muscle. I was going to go for the DIEP (tissue from tummy) procedure but as they planned radiotherapy for me, I was advised against it straight out.
If you need any help please don’t hesitate to message me.
Paula x
Thanks deed and Paula, it is good to hear from people further down the line. I’m really up in the air, and currently thinking I might have a bilateral mx as I’m afraid of the dcis being invisible. Also I seem to be more concerned about being lop-sided than having no breasts at all. I’m not going for an immediate reconstruction anyway, that much has become clear to me over the past few days. Thanks again for your comments, and I hope that everything goes well for you, Lynne.