What DCIS surgery options did you choose and why?

It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when facing these surgical decisions for DCIS - many patients find this choice particularly challenging because there are multiple valid treatment paths. The factors that often help patients make these decisions include the size and location of the DCIS, personal risk factors, lifestyle considerations, and individual comfort levels with ongoing monitoring versus more definitive treatment. Hearing from others who have walked this path can provide valuable perspective as you work with your medical team to determine the best approach for your specific situation.

DCIS stage 0. Lumpectomy. 5 targeted radiation treatments that were totally my option. Still figuring out the Letrozole. Took a 60 day break from ALL drugs. Back on Letrozole alone this week to see how it goes.

I had dcis, intermediate grade. I had a lumpectomy (almost chose mastectomy), 4 weeks of whole breast radiation and am taking anastrozole. I had read some research indicating that if a cancer occurs after mastectomy, it is usually caught in an advanced stage. This may be more of an issue for high grade dcis but i felt safer keeping my breasts and having regular mastectomies

KB. Did you mean mammograms?

Yes! Embarrassing! I meant mammograms!

I was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 1, ER+,PR+,HER2-. I chose double mastectomy with breast reconstruction. This decision was based on my fear of recurrence. I didn’t want to worry about doubting my decision if my cancer came back. My mother passed from breast cancer. I watched her go through treatments and the physical toll it took on her. I am now taking Tamoxifen, side effects have been up and down. Some days good and then out of no where I feel severe fatigue. I don’t doubt my decision at all. You have to do what you think is best for you.

I had dcis stage 0 as well. They removed 5 lymphnodes to ensure it didn't spread, it hadn't. I chose a double mastectomy with DIEP FLAP Reconstruction. I'm grateful I did the full mastectomy because they found precancerous cells in my other breast. I had no chemo or radiation. I was able to preserve all of my outside breast tissue. My advice would be to ask all questions you can think of. Mine was also caused by estradiol hormone patches and I do have to take anastrozole for 5 years to prevent it from coming back. It's hard on your joints, muscles and tendons, however, it's not cancer

Hello Roxanne I am 43 years old and April of 2025 I too was diagnosed with stage zero DCIS in situ which means contained, I had a 2 mm mass behind my nipple of my left breast. It was so overwhelming just to hear that you have cancer yet alone 4 doctors coming at you with so many different ways to treat it. I was completely on autopilot. My choices were one a lumpectomy-least invasive, a mastectomy, or a double mastectomy. Since my stage was so low and my 2 mm mass was contained I chose to have a lumpectomy followed by 20 rounds of radiation therapy. My mother was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer at 46 and passed away at 49, so I took the genetic testing after her passing and I did not have her gene 🙌 yet I got that dreadful call after my 3D mammogram. I watched my mother fade away and I didn’t want that for myself so early detection was key for me! But my mind went to the worst. My primary doctor told me to have a double mastectomy yet I thought that was too invasive she told me if I got it I wouldn’t have to worry about a reoccurrence. I am a believer in God and after praying on it and reading everything I decided that a lumpectomy was right for me. I had the lumpectomy and the oncologist said that I had “active” cells in my margins and suggested radiation. I did the 20 rounds of radiation therapy and also made the decision to have a hysterectomy as another preventative since my cancer was hormonal, I am now in menopause.. One thing I can suggest for you is to do your research, and do what you think is best for your body. I found out very quickly that the doctors only explain what they suggest and their “plan” without taking your thoughts into consideration. So I had to advocate for myself. After my treatments and my hysterectomy my oncologist wanted to put me on a preventative medication the 5 year pill. I gave it a shot took it for 2 1/2 months and I couldn’t take the side effects anymore, so he prescribed another pill with the same side effects so at this time I am not taking any preventative medication. I believe that my quality of life was more important than going the next 5 years feeling like a 90 year old zombie in constant pain. My primary doctor told me and I quote “ if you don’t take the medication then you will die within the next 5 years, you’ll be lucky to make it to 50” Doctors are smart people with doctrines but they must not teach bed side manner.. I don’t have an explanation date on me that I have seen, and I believe that my body my choice and doctors don’t always know what’s best just “protocol” I suggest that you educate yourself on DCIS as much as you can, if you’re a believer I suggest pray on it and don’t let the doctors intimidate you into doing something that doesn’t feel right. You know your body best. Advocate for yourself I know it’s scary and a lot to navigate my biggest challenge was having to figure everything out on my own since the doctor only has 10 minutes with you and unfortunately to the doctors you’re just a name or a number on someone’s desk. It’s the truth doctors want to keep us sick not help or cure us, they wouldn’t be getting paid if we are healthy..think about that one 🤔 I pray you find clarity and have strength to fight this God Bless You and be with you throughout this dreadful journey I hope I helped you in some way..

Amber N: Well said.