Questioning Lumpectomy size

[Jansd]

My mammogram showed microscopic calcifications , it was positive for DCIS , I have no lumps or anything . But my doctor said she is going to do a lumpectomy -the size of a ' golf ball ' that seems huge -considering I don't even have a lump - just micro calcifications - should I be concerned that she is taking out way too much , or get a second opinion  ? They don't give reconstructive surgery with lumpectomies .

[ncmichigan]

I HOPE you'll take the time to read the posts on the link bluebutterfly gave you above. Just because DCIS isn't invasive. doesn't mean it's harmless and can be left alone. It's stage 0 breast cancer and needs appropriate treatment, which it sounds like your doctor is offering you. Getting a second opinion is always an option, but the treatment for DCIS is pretty standard. I don't think any ethical doctor would say "Leave it alone." Like Sue said, I'd want to be sure it was ALL gone. Under federal law, all insurance companies must cover reconstruction after mastectomy if the woman chooses it. If the lumpectomy is very disfiguring, I believe there are some insurance companies that  cover reconstruction to make the breasts look symetrical again. You may need to consult your insurance carrier and make a special appeal with your doctor's documentation of your specific case I'd want to consult with a good plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction,too. Lumpectomy isn't always disfiguring either---I've had three including one that found LCIS, and only have faint scars. Obviously, everyone is different and in the end the decision is yours, but I sure wouldn't  ever let it go until it becomes invasive. Even if there was some disfigurement and my insurance wouldn't cover the reconstruction, I'd either pay for it myself, look for some financial assistance or charity to cover it, or live with the disfigurement. It certainly beats the alternative in my opinion.
In any case, good luck to you whatever you decide and I wish you all the best.
nc

[bluebutterfly2222]

Sorry, I erred above: DCIS of course stands for ductal carcinoma in situ, a common noninvasive type of breast cancer.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Since you have been diagnosed with ductal cancer in situ (DCIS) you might be interested in the following thread:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/DCIS-Positive/show/1479095

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly

[allmymarbles]

Second opinion. Second opinion. A lumpectomy causes considerable trauma and you do not want to undergo that procedure without a sound explanation as to why it would be necessary. You already know that you do not have cancer.

[SueYoung55]

My friend had bilateral mastectomies when diagnosed with DCIS because she knew it would become cancer. She walked in with two breasts and walked out with two reconstructed breasts minus breast tissue. She reduced her odds to almost nothing .. and doesn't worry about getting cancer anymore.

The point here is, there isn't a lump because the DCIS is still working on becoming a lump (ie: cancer). Your surgeon is trying to remove the DCIS by doing a lumpectomy which is called breast conserving surgery.

I wouldn't be concerned she's taking way too much. I'd pray she gets it all :)

Best wishes.