Treatment options

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Hi All, I’m hoping for some advice, I recently underwent a wide local excision for DCIS and on Thursday received my results. The consultant was reassuring in that all the area of concern had been removed with clear margins, however due to the size of the calcifications (42mm) and high grade ,he said I had two treatment options, either radiotherapy combined with close monitoring or a mastectomy.My condition is non invasive but could return. Ive been reading your forum re radiotherapy and the side effects/treatment sounds pretty scary(I’m a wuss), on the other hand a mastectomy sounds too invasive at this time. I struggle to make choices at the best of times, how do I decide and what should I decide?My consultant said to take my time and maybe wait till after christmas before I make my mind up.Any advise much appreciated

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Hi Bannibug and welcome to the BCC forums

Please feel free to call our helpline where you can talk through your options with one of our team, they are here to offer you further support and information on 0808 800 6000. The line is open 9-5 weekdays and Sat 9-2.

BCC have published a booklet about DCIS which you may find helpful to read:

breastcancercare.org.uk/healthcare-professionals/publications/quick-order-list/*/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/71/

There is also a specific forum room for DCIS which you may also wish to post in as users here may have has similar concerns to you.

Take care
Lucy

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Thanks for that, I;ve found the forum and have also contacted BCC for some phone contact .

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xwelcomex, Thanks for that,My concern about undertaking radiotherapy is that it does;nt completly eradicate the risk of it reurning, as I’m an eternal pessimist I wonder how do you live your life normally whist every six months I’ll be worrying incase it;s returned.These last two months I;ve thought of nothing else but breast cancer ,to such an extent I hav;nt even started my christmas shopping!A mastectomy would give peace of mind ,but I understand what you;re saying.