Recent DCIS Diagnosis

[laklaw]

I've recently been diagnosed with DCIS, intermediate grade.  My breast surgeon is pro mastectomy to avoid future cancers.  Although I tested negative for BCRA, she feels I'm high risk because my younger sister had a malignant phillodes tumor and I have two cousins with breast cancer, all under 40.  Also, I have very dense fibrous breasts and have had biopsies nearly every year for the past 20 years.  I'm 48 at years old and still premenopausal.  I saw a different doctor today for a second opinion and he recommended lumpectomy and radiation and depending on hormone test maybe tamoxifan.  I'm very confused about what treatment option is best for me.  My doctor has known me for years, is younger than the second opinion guy, but went to school at all the best places, so I trust her.  The second opinion guy is a big deal at his the cancer center I went to and trained at all the best places as well.  So, both are obviously competent.   Obviously, my doctor will do whatever I decide, but I think I may need a third opinion.  Note that I don't care about conserving my breasts, I care about doing what's best for my health.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I am glad the post was of some help to you.

Yes i am a doctor!

Do keep us posted about how you are doing.

Good luck and best wishes.

[laklaw]

Hi,  Thanks for your response.  My inner self tells me that I should probably have a mastectomy due to the years of surgeries I've been having.  I'm just not sure if I'm ready.  I  still have a lot of thinking to do.  

[laklaw]

Hi,  Thanks for the input.  I still haven't made a final decision.  Are you a doctor?  I don't see you listed here or as a member.  Just curious.  Thanks.  

[katfox]

The masectomy will remove the cancer and likelihood of recurrance is minimal...lumpectomy and your history ... likely next time you will have the masectomy.  I agree with the other post comment...remove the fear and do the masectomy now.

What does your inner self say?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

DCIS is usually manged by a lumpectomy, but it can recur and then mastectomy is the treatment.

But in your case, i would suggest you go ahead with the mastectomy as your doctor is advising. This is because of your history of having biopsies so frequently and also having a positive family history.

Your doctor knows your history and case well and thats why must have decided accordingly.

What the other doctor tole you was the standart management protocol in all patients with DCIS.

Do let us know what you decide.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.