Radiation for High Grade DCIS

Hi

My name is Tina, I am 47 years old and I was recently diagnosed with extensive High Grade DCIS in my left breast along with a small amount of LCIS in my right breast.  The left breast was so extensive 12 cm  in lower quadrant and more DCIS in the upper quadrant.  I had a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (implants) on June 12th with sentinal node removed from the left side only.  My pathology report came back with no nodes infected and high grade DCIS (comdeo carcinoma type).  No invasion present.  I feel blessed as I consider this to be a miracle.  I have been informed by the surgeon that I will require radiation due to the grade of DCIS.  Does anyone know approx how many weeks of radiation I would require?  I am waiting for my appointment with the radiologist and since I had a double mastectomy I didnt think there would be much to radiate.

Appreciate any info that anyone can give.  

Thanks so much

Tina
Burnaby  

[japdip]

Radiation is usually the treatment of choice with such an extensive DCIS. the Radiation Oncologist will be the only one to tell you the duration of the treatment. He/She will compile all the Path. reports and formulate the treatment schedule accordingly.    Regards ....

[tina7]

Hi

Thanks so much for responding to my msg, I really appreciate it.  I guess I am just curious, as I have read everywhere that lumpectomy + radiation = full mastectomy.  So I am just wondering - would it be common practice to have radiation when the pathology report came back good (no invasion), but off course high grade DCIS.  I will do whatever I have to do to get back on my feet again, but don't quite understand this, as I thought maybe they would just monitor me and put me on tamoxifen.

Thanks

[Kelly3700]

Hi Tina,

I have recently had a mastectomy for high grade dcis ( 40mm lump) and 29 lymph nodes removed, all came back clear. I was told that there was a 1mm clearance between my chest wall and the lump but as it was all dcis I did not need radiotherapy.  Looking at your post I am now wondering if this is correct as I did not realise that anyone was given radiation if they had been given a mastectomy.
I was just wondering how you are getting on as your post is from July, and where you are based? I have also not been told whether I am ER + OR - as my hospital does not test this with dcis but I am starting to feel like I am in a minority with this as most people seem to be tested, even with dcis. I am 37 so am pre menopausal.
Would be grateful to hear from you.
Thanks
Kelly

[tina7]

Hi Kelly,

I sent you a msg - please check your inbox.

Thanks

Tina