Hi, diagnosed with DCIS on June 7th, have been told got to have Mastectomy and Tamoxafen.
Has anyone else decided not to have the Mastectomy and what was the reaction of the oncologist?
I’m just too scared to have MX and can’t bear to lose a breast for what the surgeon calls “pre-cancer”!
Hello
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best wishes
June, moderator
Hi Shakey. There is some evidence that some tumours don’t spread, and in fact go into spontaneous regression. One study puts it as high as one-in-three of tumours identified by mamogram, though most put it at around one-in-ten. Not odds I’d care to gamble with, until they can identify absolutely which tumours will do what.
However, it does seem a little extreme to go straight for mx instead of lumpectomy. You really should be clear about why before agreeing to this - is it size/location? Is there an alternative, like chemo - unpleasant, but a lot less permanent than mx. A lot of women have chemo to shrink the tumour before surgery, so they can have the less radical option. If you’re reluctant to discuss this with the oncologist (doctors often don’t even realise how intimidating they can be) discuss it with your Breast Cancer Nurse - they will take more time to explain everything, and are usually more sympathetic to your concerns and will advocate for you with the onc.
Good luck, whichever way you go.
Hi Shakey
Because your bc’s DCIS they usually treat it with mastectomy. I think it’s to do with the fact that there’s no definitive lump as such to remove (it’s still within the ducts). At the moment it is ‘pre-cancer’ but could develop into ‘cancer’ if not treated. I know it’s a very personal decision to make, but please think carefully about potentially risking your life for the sake of keeping a boob. I had a bilateral mastectomy 3 weeks ago, and was very worried before the op about the psychological impact of being boobless. I felt a bit down for a couple of days after surgery but have now got used to my appearance and don’t mind it one bit; no regrets! In fact, I quite like the thought of being able to go running without the annoyance of bouncy breasts 
The other positive is that I don’t have to worry about developing another primary tumour (and won’t need screening etc.)
Talk to your surgeon and bcn and get as much info as possible before making a decision.
Good luck with it.
Caro x
Hi, I maybe wrong here but i think they consider how widespread the DCIS is and if it is high grade as to whether or not they advise mast.I had invasive grade2 1.7cm and about 2cm grade3 DCIS and had a partial mast.
best wishes mel xx
Hi all
thanks for your comments, I was told that there wasn’t an alternative to MX as it was too large an area about 5cm I think, is that large?
A lumpectomy would leave me deformed and a MX doesn’t?!
i have decided to concentrate on finding the best surgeon possible in my area and so far my local hospital has been very good at referring me to another surgeon at a hospital 20 miles away. The surgeon i wanted to see can’t see me until the 21st August (my 50th birthday ironically) but I have an app on Tuesday with his sidekick who seems to be very good from all accounts. I’m desperate to stop smoking as I’ve been told they won’t do recon on smokers, I’m taking Champix and plan to stop this weekend b****y hard though on top of everything else. Bit naughty as told local hospital I didn’t smoke.
Jacqueline x