The Confusion Over DCIS: What to Do About 'Stage Zero' Breast Cancer?

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I am a hospice nurse. All I can do is beg you to understand that no matter what your opinion is about your body, it is your LIFE that matters. Cancer is a vicious killer. It can come back. do whatever you can to never need my help. Sometimes aggressive is the best option.

D. Woolard of FL 11:30PM September 04, 2010

It's different when you know too much. Being a hospice nurse placed me in that position. There was never a question about treatment options or time frames. I was diagnosed with R breast DCIS. I was also diagnosed with Padgetts tumor on the R nipple. Bilateral mastectomies was my only right choice. MY one year anniversary will be Sept. 15th 2010. I did not opt for implants or any reconstruction.

D. Woolard of FL 10:29PM September 04, 2010

To Sandra p
You said you had a lumpectomy and then a recurrence 2 years later. Did you surgeon get clear margins then first time?

Deb of FL 11:23AM July 05, 2010

Please let me know how I can find out about this goveernment study. Halelujah!!! Thank you for your post ladthom of SC -- very encouraging!!!! I have a facebook group called "Donna's Choice: Global Healing From The Inside Out. Lots of holistic info and my story/journey of the last 5 months.

Donna Pinto of CA 2:01AM June 27, 2010

I was scheduled to do surgery next week followed by radiation. Instead I opted to participate in a Clinical Trial using nutrition according to how the program is set up. I will let the surgery and radiation be my last resort if my situation eventually gets worse. I respect and prefer the nutrition and supplement approach, even though mine has been diagnosed Stage 0 - Grade III. Yes Donna, you can be studied. Good for you. Keep up the good work and I wish you well. I hope it goes as well for me. Thanks for the encouragement.

ladthom of SC 4:20PM June 08, 2010

I had DCIS on my right side. I did a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. Based on my pathology results, mine was one step away, based on the margins, to proceeding to a metastic stage. I can appreciate the spirited discussion thus far. In my case, when I saw my mammogram and subsequent MRI, it was very apparent my right side was messed up. Due to my size, the mastectomy was the best option because there was concern whether the DRs could effectively do a lumpectomy and I would agree based on the images. I was in shock as are most women thinking "why me?" I had no family history. If we can all try and step back and look at the situation somewhat objectively, it all comes down to risk. What is your acceptable appetite for risk? For me personally, I wanted to see my kids become adults and didn't want to have it metastisize and have a bigger problem on my hands. It's obviously a very personal choice. All we can do is educate ourselves. Get as many tests done as possible and make the most informed decision we can make against our risk appetite.

Cheryl of TX 7:52PM May 06, 2010

I think that this aggressive approach to dcis stage 0 is madness I am also going with the holistic approach as well I understand why doctors want to be sure that they did everything they could to get the cancer but... I intend to take charge of my own treatment if I have another mammogram and it has changed then I will reconsider

monala of ID 11:40AM April 14, 2010

I was diagnosed with DCIS on January 19th, 2010 and immediately started following a strict detoxification and nutrition program. After 1 month, I had an MRI and a Thermogram -- and both showed nothing there, however my doctors were still recommending surgery and radiation due to the fact that they did not get clear margins in the biopsy. This felt extreme, invasive, aggressive and unnecessary as the MRI showed nothing. I elected to continue healing with nutrition and supplements under the guidance of a holistic nutritionist. I asked my doctor if there are any studies of people like me -- who are healing through nutrition. His answer was, there is no money in it. The only way we will ever know if less invasive options such as nutrition can heal "precancer," is through studying those who are doing it!!!!
Study me please!!!

Donna Pinto of CA 1:56AM April 12, 2010

Ladies....I was diagnosed with DCIS in Sept 2009. Had 2 lumpectomies which did not show clear margins. Had a bi-lateral mastectomy Feb 26. Had the reconstruction surgery started during the same operation to avoid an additional operation. My plastic surgeon chose the tissue expander. I am now cancer free. I will have another minor operation to remove the temporary implants (they pump them with saline every week to expand the tissue/skin), removed & have the permanent ones put in. Keep in mind that in situ means it has not spread. I feel good. Ribs are still a little sore & skin hurts from being stretched but....could be much, much worse. It could have been invasive already. Consider yourselves lucky that it was found at the earliest stage possible.
And...if they get clear margins on a lumpectomy, you won't need a mastectomy. Maybe radiation after, which they an do by inserting a tube so you don't have to go every day. With DCIS your chances for a long, happy, healthy life are VERY GOOD!!

Patty of VA 6:52PM March 31, 2010

I was diagnoised 2 days before Christmas with DCIS of my right breast. Waiting on having the tests and getting the results I think is the worse part of the nightmare, at least for me it caused the most stress.
I had my surgery on Feb 17, 2010 a lumpectomy with a reduction of the left breast. Thank God my lymph nodes test negative and I just got my path report back the margins are clean.
I will start radiation in about 7 weeks. I have my first appointment with the medical oncolglist this Monday so don't know about oral chemo/hormal therapy yet.
I have good news Yet sitting hear crying my eyes out......
Wish the best for every women That is reading this my heart goes out to you and your family. My Mom died of breast cancer 10 years ago and no I tested negative for the gene.

Sheri of NJ 3:43PM March 05, 2010