Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi, yes I had a diagnosis of extensive high grade DCIS, I had a skin sparing mastectomy in March, followed by radiotherapy in July (as no clear margin) and yes I hate the terminology used. My Onc always says "remember its pre-cancer, not cancer", everyone says "how lucky it's not cancer", but I have prescription exemption for 5 years (due to cancer diagnosis on the form), I can't get life insurance (which unfortunately ran out this year), due to cancer diagnosis! My pathology report lists carcinomas (cancer cells), I've had more cancer treatment than my Mum who had a small invasive breast cancer area. When I asked my boss to reduce my hours after I finished rads, he said yes, but was quick to point out "it's pre-cancer and we all probably have some growing in us!" Yes I definitely think the terminology needs looking into for this diagnosis and I use the phrase pre-invasive cancer. I would be interested in others opinions too. Xx ... View more

Hi Pinky, I had MX 8 weeks ago for high grade DCIS. I was initially told this would be my only treatment. After biopsy it was found to be 44mm and the DCIS was in the margin too. My plan has changed and my surgeon would like me to have radiotherapy, especially as there is nothing else to physically remove surgically. I was told this is not a usual case. I guess we are all different and plans can and do change. Sending best wishes. Xx ... View more

Thanks Janet, I have copy and pasted in the other section. Tania ... View more

Morning, I had a skin sparing, areola sparing and nipple sacrificing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction 4 weeks ago (the expander implant that stays in once volume capacity is right).  I was not offered lumpectomy as smaller breast and a larger area to remove.  The implant had 50ml put in at time of surgery.  I dont have any feeling or pain over my reconstructed breast, I do have pain around the breast and armpit but it is managable with ibuprofen and paracetamol.  I still have a lot of healing to do and my surgeon was concerned about the pressure the implant was putting on the wound so he removed 30ml from the implant using the port at the side of me, it didnt hurt anymore than a usual injection but I'm sure when he puts the saline in it will cause that tightness crushing feeling on the chest again.  The port is a bit uncomfortable to lay on.  Looks wise I was pleased to wake up with a 'mound' where my breast used to be (all be it smaller, i know it will change shape with each fill) guess we are all very different in healing and our 'teams' recommend the best individual treatment plan for each of us.  Hope this helps, good luck. xx ... View more