I was diagnosed with extensive, >2.5cm, multifocal, high-grade DCIS in Nov 2024 from a needle core biopsy following routine mammogram. I had no symptoms and so grateful for that routine mammogram. I opted for a bi-lateral mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction due to size of DCIS and risk of contralateral BC. I thought I was getting good peace of mind with a more aggressive surgery. They found a 2mm area of invasive ductal carcinoma amongst the DCIS. A small area of DCIS was very close to the skin. Following surgery I now have two areas of DCIS in the margin near the skin (very small <1mm). I’m triple positive (ER+ PR+ and HER2+). I’m considering radiation to address the positive margins but having the implants already in place complicates things. I’m wondering about people’s experiences with radiation after implants have already been placed? I’m also curious about treatment experiences with triple positive with such a small area of invasive cancer? I have not met with medical oncologist yet and want to have a good set of questions ready. Thank you so much, glad to be in connection with others going through these complex decisions.
@chrissyt Welcome to the forum that no wants to join and so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
I’m am ER+ and HER2+ and had a bilateral (2 primary tumours, one in each boob)invasive carcinoma with no lymph node involvement. I had a bilateral lumpectomy as I was told the outcome was the same as mastectomy for my diagnosis/stage/grade. I then had chemotherapy 12 weekly Paclitaxel with Herceptin followed by 5 days of high dose radiotherapy. Then Letrozole for 5 years to suppress oestrogen and zeoldronic acid 6 monthly for 3 years for bone density and prevention of cancer on the bones.
All treatment plans are individual so you may never find someone else with your similar diagnosis and the same plan. The multi disciplinary team will look at many factors including, family history, your own health, your age to decide.
As you are HER2+, the treatment can last longer than others. There is a thread for HER2 and need some buddies that has been going for more than a year. Some of us have had Herceptin/Phesgo with chemo, other not.
There may be someone on the thread that has had radiation after reconstruction. I will cross post your post.
Thanks for for sharing your experience and for cross-posting. So true that each women’s scenario and treatment plan is unique. Appreciate having this forum!