Just diagnosed DCIS

cledbetter17

I did get an appointment cancellation and had stereotactic biopsy yesterday on September 2nd. Today I received the news that I have DCIS grade 2 triple positive. I am getting a referral to a great oncology surgeon and thinking about having a mastectomy. Any thoughts on that route?

moderators

@cledbetter17, we're sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis of triple-positive DCIS.

While weighing your consideration of getting a mastectomy, you may find the following discussion threads to be helpful:

Considerations: Lumpectomy vs Single Mastectomy vs Bilateral Mastectomy

Triple-Positive Group

cledbetter17

thank you for the information. How do you deal with the anxiety?

maggie15

Hi @cledbetter17 , I’m sorry you had to join us here but it’s a good place for information and support. The anxiety comes from imagining the worst possible outcome. Try to stay busy to take your mind off things. I found researching options as the mods suggested gives you a feeling of more control over the situation. Take a family member or friend to your first appointment to take notes since you are given so much information. Once you and your doctor decide on a treatment plan things really do get better. The worst possible outcome rarely happens. If anxiety becomes debilitating consult your PCP for help with it. All the best.

moderators

@cledbetter17 As maggie mentions, the more you figure out what you're dealing with and get a treatment in place, the better you'll feel. You can also learn some ways to cope with anxiety here.

We hope this helps and that you can find a little peace in this time of unknowing. Sending hugs!

—The Mods

kks_11

@cledbetter17 I'm sorry to hear of this diagnosis. The time between diagnosis and having your team and plan in place is a unique kind of hellish limbo sometimes. As Maggie and the Mods said so well, sometimes it feels easier when you're actually executing the plan; feeling anxious and helpless at this phase is totally normal. I'm not sure I have anything to add other than to stick with this group ( or some other survivor support group). Being with others who get it really helps. 💝

cledbetter17

Thank you for the suggestions with anxiety.

shorttoes

Hi! I also had DCIS and I chose bilateral mastectomy for treatment. I had it done on 9/1. My recommendation is to research the options and do what feels best FOR YOU! It is your decision and it is hard and very personal. When you see the surgeon, ask what your options are and take some time to think about them. There are so many caveats to each plan, depending on all sorts of factors

For me, once I settled on BMX, it just felt right. I am not looking forward to the reconstruction phase, but thats a problem for another day! 😂

Good luck in your process! ❤️

cledbetter17

Thank you and all the best in your recovery

sdianel

I would wait until you talk to the Oncologist and Surgeon and see what treatment plan they recommend, then make your decision. Ask what is the recurrence rate. That helped me decide on lumpectomy, radiation and Aromatase inhibitor (which I couldn't tolerate). As for the anxiety, I kept busy by making a list of things to get done each day, working jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles. Tell your doctor about your anxiety and ask for a referral to someone to talk to and perhaps prescribe something to help. They call it Supportive Care at the cancer center I go to. The doctor there was great. I took an anti-anxiety medication for 8 months. Come here often for support. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs.

cledbetter17

Thank you for the advice about talking to the Oncologist and Surgeon. I’m concerned about radiation on my left side and the calcifications are near the chest wall

The anxiety is tough but prayer and keeping busy helps

Thank you

cledbetter17

Did others have concern about radiation on the left side primarily heart related?

maggie15

If you have a pre-existing heart condition you should consult your cardiologist. Otherwise, gated breathing where you hold your breath on cue pushing your heart further out of the radiation field is often done.. Some people choose mastectomy to avoid radiation. There are pros and cons to every treatment decision. You need to decide what is best for you since there is no perfect one-size-fits-all treatment plan. You are doing well gathering the information you need.

kks_11

It's also possible to be placed in a prone position (not too different than the Breast MRI pose). Gravity pulls the breast away from the chest wall which spares the heart. Not everyone is a candidate and breath hold techniques are also effective. I had a consult with my RadOnc prior to making a surgery decision to be sure I could safely do rads.

cledbetter17

Thank you both for your explanations