SCVPS

In Jan. 2008, I was diagnosed with DCIS 0 Stage. I was advised by my surgeon to have surgery and was then sent straight to a radiologist for 10 Mammosite treatments.  After having surgery and radiation treatments, I was then asked by my surgeon to see an oncologist, who told me that what I had "was not breast cancer and had negligible risk of ever turning into a cancer".  If I had seen the oncologist first, I would not have had the radiation treatments.  There are varying debates concerning treatments for DCIS 0 Stage...Surgery without  radiation vs. Surgery w/ radiation.

 My advice to anyone, who is facing a decision concerning DCIS 0 Stage, is  to take an advocate with you to listen to your doctor. Even though I am an advocate for others; when you are the patient, you do not see things quite so clearly.   Research all of your options, before you make a decision. Definitely, seek the advice of an oncologist...before you have treatments.  Lastly, always,get a second opinion. I  wish  I had done that. 

 It is my goal and prayer to help others make a more informed decision.. and the only way to do that is through educating and raising awareness to these issues. At the time, I did not feel good about taking the radiation treatments... My advice to you, is trust your instincts...THEY ARE USUALLY RIGHT!  I feel that my treatment....was probably  worse on my body, than the health problem I encountered. I believe in my case, that surgery would have been enough.

I would like to make it very clear, that I am not a medical person giving advice...just a patient, sharing my experience. I do feel there are many cases, where surgery and Mammosite or conventional radiation treatments...are saving lives. I thank God for the knowledge that has been gained... that  can help to cure women of breast cancer.  Each patient must, pray, research, get second opinions, in order to make an informed decision, about what kind of treatment is best for you.

If I can help or assist anyone in anyway, please feel free to contact me. God bless, Jan

I would like to thank all of you, who have taken the time to send me emails with your wonderful responses. I would like to ask each of you, if you would not mind posting your responses on our website...so others can benefit from your insights also. But, if for some reason you do not want to post your reply publicly...just keep emailing me. I love hearing  from you. Thank you all so much for your continued support and interest. God bless, Jan