New to all this

Hi everyone, I was called early for routine mammogram (am 46) as part of pilot screen, and shocked to be told on Friday that I have DCIS in left breast, 5cm, and need a mastectomy. I’ve been offered immediate reconstruction, and seeing plastic surgeon tomorrow to discuss options. I have E/F cup boobs, so been told that right breast will need reduction at a later date. I’ve been trying to research, but thought the best people to take advice from are those who are going through/have been through similar. Is it acceptable to ask for bilateral mastectomy and implants, if I need surgery to correct the right side anyway, or don’t they consider that an option. I’m really scared of the autogenous surgery, it looks huge, and if haven’t got much fat. I feel like I want both removed to stop this happening again. It’s hard staying upbeat for everyone else, and I feel utterly grateful to have been screened early, but I’m terrified. I’d really appreciate any advice/knowledge, many thanks

Hi Hil183 and welcome to the BCC forums

Along with the support and shared experiences you will find here please feel free to call our helpliners, our team are on hand with practical and emotional support for you and can also talk to you about other support services from BCC including ‘Someone like me’. I am posting a couple of links below for you with further information to the support we can offer which I hope will be a help:

breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-services

Helpline 0808 800 6000 open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 10-2

Here’s also the links to DCIS and reconstruction information from BCC:

breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/about-breast-cancer/primary-breast-cancer/types%C2%A0of%C2%A0primary%C2%A0breast%C2%A0cancer/ductal-carcinoma-situ-dcis

breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/treating-breast-cancer/surgery/reconstruction

Take care
Lucy BCC