Recent diagnosis of DCIS Grade 3 with microinvasion -
I have been recently diagnosed with DCIS with 1mm microinvasion - Grade 3. I am undergoing a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction on Tuesday of next week. I am curious to hear from others with same diagnosis - on how things went for them. I will be having a sentinel lymphnode resection during surgery.
Comments
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That's about what I was
That's about what I was diagnosed with and I did the immediate reconstruction too (only on one side) I think you'll be really happy with that decision, I know I was. The recovery was not too bad. Mostly getting over the groggy, tired feeling from the anesthesia took a long time and nobody likes the drains but they are WAY better than not having drains!
I'm sure you'll do really well and we are always here to talk to! Glad you found this group! You'll meet a lot of caring, helpful people on here.
Please keep us posted on how you are doing!
Marty
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I didn't have this either,MsGebby said:I can't really
help you with this. My diagnosis was much different. I did want to offer my support and let you know you are not alone in this journey.
Keep us posted.
Prayers sent for a successful surgery and easy recovery.
xoxo
Mary
I didn't have this either, but, wanted to say hello to you and to wish you good luck. I pray your surgery will be a success and that you will have a fast recovery.
Hugs, Leeza
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I had DCIS but no clue of #s
I had DCIS but no clue of #s etc...I had a lumpectomy and 8 wks radation. Finishing my 5th year of tamoxifen.
Just sending you good thoughts and pixie dust.
Denise
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Same Diagnosis
I had this exact diagnosis DCIS with microinvasion, as did two friends of mine. We all had an excision and then radiation. Mine in 2008 and the two friends in 2009. We were all in our early 50s. You should be fine but I'm wondering why the double mastectomy? Is the DCIS in both breasts? Are you really young or do you have the BRCA mutation? How big is the DCIS? Did you get a second opinion? This is a really big surgery and there is no turning back once it's done. Also, you know that DCIS is not life threatening, right? Scary yes, but it's not going to kill you. In some cases it won't even become invasive cancer. Why not do the sentinel node biopsy and a lumpectomy and then make a decision about a mastectomy based on those results? I know you may have made up your mind already but I'm really curious why you are taking this course of action.
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iyour decision
I too had the same diagnosis with a minor difference -- mine did not have microinvasion. However like you I was high grade - comedo type aggressive cells that were multiplying rapidly. My onco surgeon suggested lumpectomy followed by radiation and then five years of tamoxifen. She also oredered an MRI to see what the mammogeam and biopsies might have missed as I had very dense breasts.
I then dove into intense research mode both online and contacting otheres who had had breast cancer. What I discovered was that there are many possible side effect to both radiation and tamoxifen. Also friends who had had a lumpectomy, eventually had to return for a mastectomy.
My mind was made up and at the next visit with surgeon I told her that I wanted a double skin sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. (My BC was two sites on the right side). She looked at me and said that I was a good candidate for that type of surgery and that she would do the same if in my position.
Everyone I spoke to afterwards was most supportive of my decision and especially my family. I have not regretted it. I had the sentinel node biopsy that was negative.
Recovery was difficult as I live alone an have two big dogs, but I had a family member fly in to stay for the first 10 days and a lot of dear friends stopping by. My reconstruction had to be revised a month later (the sling did not hold on the right side). The biggest limitations are that I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for six months -- no walking dogs that pull -- and that my activities are restricted -- cannot do a lot of weight bearing yoga poses, no paddling etc. However, a small price to pay for getting rid of the cancer.
Good luck to you and keep us posted. Feel free to contact me directly as well.
Much love,
Jen
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iyour decision
I too had the same diagnosis with a minor difference -- mine did not have microinvasion. However like you I was high grade - comedo type aggressive cells that were multiplying rapidly. My onco surgeon suggested lumpectomy followed by radiation and then five years of tamoxifen. She also oredered an MRI to see what the mammogeam and biopsies might have missed as I had very dense breasts.
I then dove into intense research mode both online and contacting otheres who had had breast cancer. What I discovered was that there are many possible side effect to both radiation and tamoxifen. Also friends who had had a lumpectomy, eventually had to return for a mastectomy.
My mind was made up and at the next visit with surgeon I told her that I wanted a double skin sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. (My BC was two sites on the right side). She looked at me and said that I was a good candidate for that type of surgery and that she would do the same if in my position.
Everyone I spoke to afterwards was most supportive of my decision and especially my family. I have not regretted it. I had the sentinel node biopsy that was negative.
Recovery was difficult as I live alone an have two big dogs, but I had a family member fly in to stay for the first 10 days and a lot of dear friends stopping by. My reconstruction had to be revised a month later (the sling did not hold on the right side). The biggest limitations are that I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for six months -- no walking dogs that pull -- and that my activities are restricted -- cannot do a lot of weight bearing yoga poses, no paddling etc. However, a small price to pay for getting rid of the cancer.
Good luck to you and keep us posted. Feel free to contact me directly as well.
Much love,
Jen
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DCIS - invasive, Her2jennifer101 said:iyour decision
I too had the same diagnosis with a minor difference -- mine did not have microinvasion. However like you I was high grade - comedo type aggressive cells that were multiplying rapidly. My onco surgeon suggested lumpectomy followed by radiation and then five years of tamoxifen. She also oredered an MRI to see what the mammogeam and biopsies might have missed as I had very dense breasts.
I then dove into intense research mode both online and contacting otheres who had had breast cancer. What I discovered was that there are many possible side effect to both radiation and tamoxifen. Also friends who had had a lumpectomy, eventually had to return for a mastectomy.
My mind was made up and at the next visit with surgeon I told her that I wanted a double skin sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. (My BC was two sites on the right side). She looked at me and said that I was a good candidate for that type of surgery and that she would do the same if in my position.
Everyone I spoke to afterwards was most supportive of my decision and especially my family. I have not regretted it. I had the sentinel node biopsy that was negative.
Recovery was difficult as I live alone an have two big dogs, but I had a family member fly in to stay for the first 10 days and a lot of dear friends stopping by. My reconstruction had to be revised a month later (the sling did not hold on the right side). The biggest limitations are that I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for six months -- no walking dogs that pull -- and that my activities are restricted -- cannot do a lot of weight bearing yoga poses, no paddling etc. However, a small price to pay for getting rid of the cancer.
Good luck to you and keep us posted. Feel free to contact me directly as well.
Much love,
Jen
DCIS - invasive, Her2 positive - 2 sites of breast cancer in 1 breast.
18 weeks of consecutive chemo therapy -- ending on December 18, 2009 - dose dense chemo treatment plan .. I made it ... crawling to the finish line
1 year of Herceptin -- ending August 20, 2010
Lumpectomy -- 8-10-09
Breast Cancer diagnosis 8-14-09
Bilateral Mastectomy January 12, 2010take pain medication when necessary. Multiple pillows in various, sizes help with sleeping on your back.
Please have cups, saucers, plates at arm level - as well as re-arranging your fridge for more commonly used items at arm levels. Tide/Downy small container sizes - also at arm level. Reaching up and grabbing heavy items -- will tear your stitches, as well as hurt your arms. Muscles and tissue in breast, as well as arm areas will be cut,moved and sewn back together.
I tried to take a bath ..but hence could not pull myself out of the our spa tub, no muscles or strength in my arms after bilateral mastectomy.. It took my husband, and daughter some time to pull me out of the tub == without hurting me. Not a pretty time, or sight to say the least. So I opted to shower ...My husband removed our shower head, and replaced it with a flex hose type so I could shower maneuvering the flex hose from waist down, as well as place shower water under my arms.
Lastly, please make sure you do your exercises as prescribed by Plastic Surgeon, and Physical Therapist.
Strength, Courage, Hope and Speedy recovery.
Vicki Sam
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DCIS w/microinvasion meansSWFLWriter said:Same Diagnosis
I had this exact diagnosis DCIS with microinvasion, as did two friends of mine. We all had an excision and then radiation. Mine in 2008 and the two friends in 2009. We were all in our early 50s. You should be fine but I'm wondering why the double mastectomy? Is the DCIS in both breasts? Are you really young or do you have the BRCA mutation? How big is the DCIS? Did you get a second opinion? This is a really big surgery and there is no turning back once it's done. Also, you know that DCIS is not life threatening, right? Scary yes, but it's not going to kill you. In some cases it won't even become invasive cancer. Why not do the sentinel node biopsy and a lumpectomy and then make a decision about a mastectomy based on those results? I know you may have made up your mind already but I'm really curious why you are taking this course of action.
DCIS w/microinvasion means that there is an invasive component, so it is no longer pure DCIS and contained in the milk ducts and is considered Stage 1A.
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Wishing you the best of luckcinnamonsmile said:DCIS w/microinvasion means
DCIS w/microinvasion means that there is an invasive component, so it is no longer pure DCIS and contained in the milk ducts and is considered Stage 1A.
Wishing you the best of luck today with your surgery.
Hugs, Lex
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Hoping your surgery wasjennifer101 said:iyour decision
I too had the same diagnosis with a minor difference -- mine did not have microinvasion. However like you I was high grade - comedo type aggressive cells that were multiplying rapidly. My onco surgeon suggested lumpectomy followed by radiation and then five years of tamoxifen. She also oredered an MRI to see what the mammogeam and biopsies might have missed as I had very dense breasts.
I then dove into intense research mode both online and contacting otheres who had had breast cancer. What I discovered was that there are many possible side effect to both radiation and tamoxifen. Also friends who had had a lumpectomy, eventually had to return for a mastectomy.
My mind was made up and at the next visit with surgeon I told her that I wanted a double skin sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. (My BC was two sites on the right side). She looked at me and said that I was a good candidate for that type of surgery and that she would do the same if in my position.
Everyone I spoke to afterwards was most supportive of my decision and especially my family. I have not regretted it. I had the sentinel node biopsy that was negative.
Recovery was difficult as I live alone an have two big dogs, but I had a family member fly in to stay for the first 10 days and a lot of dear friends stopping by. My reconstruction had to be revised a month later (the sling did not hold on the right side). The biggest limitations are that I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for six months -- no walking dogs that pull -- and that my activities are restricted -- cannot do a lot of weight bearing yoga poses, no paddling etc. However, a small price to pay for getting rid of the cancer.
Good luck to you and keep us posted. Feel free to contact me directly as well.
Much love,
Jen
Hoping your surgery was successful and that you have a fast recovery.
Hugs, Diane
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DCIS w/microinvasion ISSWFLWriter said:Same Diagnosis
I had this exact diagnosis DCIS with microinvasion, as did two friends of mine. We all had an excision and then radiation. Mine in 2008 and the two friends in 2009. We were all in our early 50s. You should be fine but I'm wondering why the double mastectomy? Is the DCIS in both breasts? Are you really young or do you have the BRCA mutation? How big is the DCIS? Did you get a second opinion? This is a really big surgery and there is no turning back once it's done. Also, you know that DCIS is not life threatening, right? Scary yes, but it's not going to kill you. In some cases it won't even become invasive cancer. Why not do the sentinel node biopsy and a lumpectomy and then make a decision about a mastectomy based on those results? I know you may have made up your mind already but I'm really curious why you are taking this course of action.
DCIS w/microinvasion IS invasive. There is DCIS that is still in the milk ducts AND the invasive portion (called the microinvasion). The microinvasion makes it DCIS AND Stage 1a.
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Thinking of you and hopingjennifer101 said:iyour decision
I too had the same diagnosis with a minor difference -- mine did not have microinvasion. However like you I was high grade - comedo type aggressive cells that were multiplying rapidly. My onco surgeon suggested lumpectomy followed by radiation and then five years of tamoxifen. She also oredered an MRI to see what the mammogeam and biopsies might have missed as I had very dense breasts.
I then dove into intense research mode both online and contacting otheres who had had breast cancer. What I discovered was that there are many possible side effect to both radiation and tamoxifen. Also friends who had had a lumpectomy, eventually had to return for a mastectomy.
My mind was made up and at the next visit with surgeon I told her that I wanted a double skin sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. (My BC was two sites on the right side). She looked at me and said that I was a good candidate for that type of surgery and that she would do the same if in my position.
Everyone I spoke to afterwards was most supportive of my decision and especially my family. I have not regretted it. I had the sentinel node biopsy that was negative.
Recovery was difficult as I live alone an have two big dogs, but I had a family member fly in to stay for the first 10 days and a lot of dear friends stopping by. My reconstruction had to be revised a month later (the sling did not hold on the right side). The biggest limitations are that I cannot lift anything heavier than 10 lbs for six months -- no walking dogs that pull -- and that my activities are restricted -- cannot do a lot of weight bearing yoga poses, no paddling etc. However, a small price to pay for getting rid of the cancer.
Good luck to you and keep us posted. Feel free to contact me directly as well.
Much love,
Jen
Thinking of you and hoping you are resting now and that you heal fast. Check in with us when you're feeling like it so we know how you are.
Hugs, Megan
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How did it go?
I am recently diagnosed and have not been able to read all info that I should. I guess I just cannot believe it. I am trying now to learn more. Your's sounds similary to mine although I don't know what a sentinel lymphnode resection is. I have a high family history and thinking a double might be best for me. I am wanting a different doctor but is it too late to ask? You all sound so brave and I am so confused.
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Sentinel Lymph Node Resectiona_childs_prayer said:How did it go?
I am recently diagnosed and have not been able to read all info that I should. I guess I just cannot believe it. I am trying now to learn more. Your's sounds similary to mine although I don't know what a sentinel lymphnode resection is. I have a high family history and thinking a double might be best for me. I am wanting a different doctor but is it too late to ask? You all sound so brave and I am so confused.
This is my understanding of it:
After doing the mastectomy, the surgeon looks at the lymph node closest to the breast (they inject an imaging dye before hand to find it). They remove the node and send to pathology to look for presence of cancerous cells. If none are found, the surgeon ends there. If there are cancer cells present, they keep going down the chain to see how far it has spread.
Please continue to do research, ask questions and yes, go to a second doctor if you are not comfortable with the one you have now. I would look for a surgeon that specializes in mastectomies and not a general surgeon.
I had a similar scenario (see my post above) and I am so happy I wnet with the double mastectomy.
Take Care,
Jen
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How did surgery go? I hopejennifer101 said:Sentinel Lymph Node Resection
This is my understanding of it:
After doing the mastectomy, the surgeon looks at the lymph node closest to the breast (they inject an imaging dye before hand to find it). They remove the node and send to pathology to look for presence of cancerous cells. If none are found, the surgeon ends there. If there are cancer cells present, they keep going down the chain to see how far it has spread.
Please continue to do research, ask questions and yes, go to a second doctor if you are not comfortable with the one you have now. I would look for a surgeon that specializes in mastectomies and not a general surgeon.
I had a similar scenario (see my post above) and I am so happy I wnet with the double mastectomy.
Take Care,
Jen
How did surgery go? I hope you are feeling well enough and strong enough soon to let us know.
Hugs, Megan
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Praying that your surgery wasa_childs_prayer said:How did it go?
I am recently diagnosed and have not been able to read all info that I should. I guess I just cannot believe it. I am trying now to learn more. Your's sounds similary to mine although I don't know what a sentinel lymphnode resection is. I have a high family history and thinking a double might be best for me. I am wanting a different doctor but is it too late to ask? You all sound so brave and I am so confused.
Praying that your surgery was successful and that you are healing and recovering at home by now.
Hugs, Debby
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Hoping you're doinga_childs_prayer said:How did it go?
I am recently diagnosed and have not been able to read all info that I should. I guess I just cannot believe it. I am trying now to learn more. Your's sounds similary to mine although I don't know what a sentinel lymphnode resection is. I have a high family history and thinking a double might be best for me. I am wanting a different doctor but is it too late to ask? You all sound so brave and I am so confused.
Hoping you're doing alright.
Thinking of you,
Rose
0
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