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WALKING MIRACLE

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FormerMember
FormerMember

In October 2015 I was diagnosed with HER2 positive carcinoma & DCIS but no spread to sentinel nodes. I'm normally  fit & super healthy, no one in my family has ever suffered from breast cancer, in fact both of my grandmothers are still alive, so the news came as a massive shock. As the area of micro-calcifcation was very large 4.5x2.5cm I was told that the best option for me would be mastectomy with immediate reconstruction followed by chemo & radiotherapy. 

The idea of mastectomy scared me almost as much as the cancer itself, so my surgeon & oncologist allowed me to have neoadjuvant chemo prior to the operation. I have tolerated the treatment extremely well, with help of cold cap I've managed to keep all my hair &  go to gym throughout the whole treatment . After 8 gruelling session & yet another scan I've learnt that my cancer is no longer detectable but DCIS is still visible. 
My wonderful surgeon agreed to perform a wide local excision but warned me that mastectomy is still very much on cards if post op histopathology report shows any signs of cancer or DCIS. 
Post op report proved that I've had complete pathological response to chemo. 
Throughout the whole process I've managed to stay focused & with help of mindfullness meditations I've stayed positive & calm.
It has been incredibly difficult journey & I don't know what my future brings but today I am grateful. 

Anonymous

  • Hi there MK2016.

    Iam new to this site and to the scary world of invasive DCIS.

    I to am the 1st in my family to develop cancer and I am fit and very health concious .

    I have been lucky enough never to know anybody with cancer - never entered my head that I would be the person to get it.

    My diagnosis came after a routine mamogram after developing a non - related breast abcess on Christmas Day 2015.

    On 23rd May I was told I had grade 1 DCIS 1.5 cm and was told a lumpectomy was required. 4 days later it was broken to me that a mastectomy was needed.

    I have my op this Tuesday, 5th July, with immediate DIEP construction.

    May I ask what neoadjuvant chemo is?

    I have extensive microcalcifications throughiut my breast and milk ducts.

    Sorry for the waffling - getting stressed &scared.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    It's chemo prior to operation. It is given to people in hope that the tumour shrinks prior to operation.Chemo works very well with HER2 positive carcinoma & sometimes with DCIS (sometimes but not very often).

    If you have DCIS only you could ask your surgoeon about medical trials.

    I had both both microcalcification & cancer so this option wasn't available to me. This is why I feel so lucky to get rid of both & still keep my breast.

    Good luck

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Dear Clo-bell

    If you are interested in medical trials, you can always call Macmillan support line.

    Best of luck

    MK

  • Evening Clo-bell

    Welcome to the mac Community.

    Just wanted to let you know there is a very active Breast Group here (link) you could join. To get any questions answered regarding your upcoming surgery and recovery that you may have ?

    Take care, G n' J

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi I have a wide excision last Thursday as the dr said I could have DCIS I am awaiting results could anyone tell me the treatment for this please x

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