Hi LunaMuna, I had a similar experience to you. I was diagnosed with a large area of DCIS with a 4-5cm invasive tumour last May. I had chemo which completely resolved the invasive tumour, but due to the large area of DCIS, mastectomy was the only option. I don't know if your area of DCIS is large, but they told me that after they had removed all the DCIS ( which chemo doesn't affect) there would not be enough of the breast left, so mastectomy was the only option. It was scheduled for ten days after they told me. I was really upset. I did lots of research, and I rang up before the operation and saw a different surgeon. I said I couldn't cope with waking up after the operation with no breast. I pleaded with them to have an implant ( I had been told that there is a Braxon implant that is when it is in a kind of sling so the radiotherapy is less likely to affect it). The surgeon said she was really unhappy to provide this as she had had to remove implants in the past due to hardening due to radiotherapy. In the end I agreed to a mastectomy with delayed reconstruction ( hopefully at the end of this year- I finished radiotherapy in early January). I don't know yet what I can have, as I am quite petite and they said they don't know where they would take skin from! But, although I was very traumatised at the thought of the operation, and it took a few days after it to come to terms with it, the ladies on this forum supported me and I got through it. I have now been given the most amazing silicone prosthesis, with a removable nipple, and it really looks fabulous. No-one would ever know. I thought I would have to wear loose fitting clothes, but I can actually wear anything I want. I have also got some ' knitted knockers' They are a charity who will provide you with a soft knitted prosthesis for the six weeks post surgery , and also an aqua knocker for swimming. Totally free of charge! I have been swimming a few times with no problems. Best wishes to you. I hope you get some answers soon. Jane xx
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