How do I choose between lumpectomy and mastectomy for DCIS?

Hello Beth, I was diagnosed January 30,2025 with DCIS-ER/PR +, HERS2-. When I was first diagnosed and met with my breast surgeon, I agreed to do lumpectomy, with 12 rounds of radiation. After leaving that appointment I called her office back and told them I wanted a double mastectomy. After speaking more with my husband I chose this surgery because I didn’t want to go through the treatments . I was worried I would have a recurrence later on when I’m older. I watched my mother fight breast cancer, she passed February 2025. I didn’t want to go through that or put my family through that. I wanted a peace of mind and not have to worry about recurrence. I don’t regret my decision at all.

Hello I was diagnosed with DCIS 2022 It was a large tumor 8cm involving 2 lymph nodes. I read ALOT joined multiple chat rooms and kept seeing the same thing...people getting it later on the opposite side or on the lumpectomy side again! The doctors assured me it was rare! Hardly ever happens but I didn't listen to them because I had talked to so MANY people! Anywhere from 1 year to 10 years later and their #1 regret was doing breast conservation and/or leaving the opposite side. I opted for bilateral mastectomy w/implants. There's a difference in medication as well you should check with your doctor. If you do lumpectomy what's the plan? Radiation, aromatase, cdk4's?? If you do mastectomy what's the plan? You may not HAVE to take cdk4's??? Ask ALOT of questions! You have to be your own advocate look these drugs up especially their side effects! Make the decision by how you want to live your life later! Do you want to conserve and take more meds later? Or remove and possibly have less medication?? I really hate this disease! Fyi Even with my bilateral mastectomy it came back in the skin I recently had implants and all skin removed! Goes to show nobody has the answer go with your gut and do what YOU think is right and what you can live with later! I'm guessing they probably haven't told you about all the drugs coming later they didn't tell me either in the beginning!!

I would specifically ask them if we conserve what meds are you going to want me on??? If I get mastectomy what meds are you going to want me on?? Then you can look at the bigger picture! You're never going to avoid aromatase (everyone takes those) but you "may" be able to avoid cdk4's and/or a lower dose of cdk4's! Even a lower dose is better than full dose!

Hi! I also have DCIS and opted for a lumpectomy and radiation because it was the easiest and fastest recovery. Unfortunately, the margins were not clear so I had to make the same decision again. My surgeon told me it was a 5% chance of not getting it the second time. I had a second lumpectomy and margins still were not clear. Super frustrating but I chose to do a bilateral mastectomy for safety. Margins are clear on my left breast now and while there were no signs of cancer in my right breast, I don't have to be concerned as much now. I wish I had more time to research, but mine was grade 3 so the surgeons wanted to move quickly. I wish I had time to better understand what to expect, bought a book that explains the reconstruction options, looked into better compression options for a small frame, and looked into other recliners as ours doesn't fit me. Good luck!

I have the BRCA2 gene mutation. I was diagnosed with DCIS I chose a lumpectomy and breast reduction even though they recommended a mastectomy. I didn't want to go through radation & chemotherapy nor did I have the time off work to do so. No regrets as of yet its been 4 months not long. I just wish I was informed more on how sore I would still be and how hard my breast that had the cancer would be. Stay strong ladies good luck.

Diane - Same stage 3! It was a fast whirlwind!! Reading as much as I could as fast as I could!! Unfortunately we have to be our best advocate! They mainly look at the cancer but not the person! Kill the cancer at all costs deal with the aftermath later! In my experience I've been ignored more than helped with the aftermath to them it's just the cost of doing business

I had left breast invasive DCIS, I opted for a double mastectomy with the nipple delay DIEP Reconstruction procedure. I'm so glad I did, my doctor found precancerous lesions in my right breast. No radiation or chemo. The 5 year meds are not nice but I'm more afraid of cancer than the meds.