Hi Barbara,   DCIS is ductal carcinoma in situ.  If you have to have breast cancer, this is the one you want to have.  The treatment can vary ... see my story below.   I was diagnosed with DCIS in April, and I had a mastectomy & sentinel node biopsy two weeks ago.  The original plan was to have a lumpectomy & radiation, but it didn't work out that way.  I had a lumpectomy (that was when the cancer was diagnosed), and then ten days later, I had a re-excision.  My surgeon wasn't able to get clear margins, so I had a mastectomy to make sure that the cancer was eradicated from my body.  Having the mastectomy was not my first choice, but I'm now cancer-free, and going through the reconstruction process.  It's not as horrible as I thought it would be!   Please tell your friend that there is hope, and she is going to be okay!!!  Tell her to stay away from negativity and to surround herself with people who have positive attitudes.  She will get through it!!!   Brightest blessings,   Melanie :)