DCIS

This is your new normal!  Welcome to club no one wants to join but is glad they found

i was diagnosed with intermediate grade DCIS 11mm in June 2015.  Upgraded to high grade after surgery to remove.  I had WLE (lumpectomy) followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy.  I recovered very quickly from surgery with no pain and found radiotherapy painless but just normal side effects of tiredness, sore skin- especially under the breast.

Being diagnosed with cancer is a big thing and it’s irksome when well meaning family and friends tell you they you are lucky !  Lucky they caught it early , lucky you ONLY have to have certain treatment!  As most will tell you we don’t feel very lucky so politely tell them you are struggling to deal with being told you have cancer and yes you know it’s treatable but you need time to process . 

You will find wonderful support on this site so ask away any questions you have- nothing is a stupid question, no rant is unjustified.   Click on members name and you can read their profile .  

Xx

In a word...yes...absolutely perfectly understandable in your situation...!

Everything about an unexpected diagnosis is shocking, frightening and scary. I am approaching my first anniversary, and even after everything I have been through this year.....that moment....when you hear those words never goes away. But you do get on with it....you do manage...somehow just to get through whatever they throw at you. It’s not easy - but I have tried to take one day at a time and when I have felt at my lowest....reminded myself ‘that this too will pass’. 

Chin up. Deep breath. Try and find something that will occupy your mind - a book you know really well, tennis on tv, a tv series that you know well...

i would recommend meeting your gp and starting to build a relationship with them....just so you know someone is there....when often the folk at the hospital seem a little removed from your day to day life.

Good luck....we are here.

Hello  First can i say welcome to the community none of us want to join but under the circumstances its the best place to be.

As for your question, its perfectly normal. It takes some getting your head around, but hopefully now you're here and talking to people who have been or who are in the same or similar situation to you, you'll feel better. Please remember that everyone is different, everybodies treatments are different but our doctors all have the same aim and that is to make us better.

Keep coming and talking to us, rant, cray and on occasions we do have a laugh.

When is your next appointment? Do you know what treatment you will be having yet?

The best advice i was given was take each step at a time, people say its like being on a rollercoaster and it is, as you have said one minute ok the next not. Also if you have any questions write them down forn your next appointment so you don't forget to ask them.

Keep coming and chatting to us. Big hugs for you xx

Hi, I was diagnosed with DCIS in February of this year. I had surgery in March.It is absolutely 100% normal to feel overwhelmed at times. I felt stunned, terrified, angry, upset and occasionally ok. 

If you have any questions, worries or just want to talk, this is a great place to be. Like many people here I'm happy to talk about any aspect of my diagnosis, my treatment and it's physical and emotional impact.

Big Hugs, Naid xx

Hi

Yes, it’s absolutely normal. I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS and I will always remember that moment. As you know, no lump, just brought up on a routine scan then you are told you are lucky as it’s been caught early etc etc (and I know it was lucky) but I was terrified and in complete shock for ages. I was completely confused how I should proceed re surgery. Due to the size and grade the team wanted to do a mastectomy and they thought I should go for reconstruction by diep. I had never had a general anaesthetic before let alone complicated major surgery!!! I was completely terrified. I went ahead with it and they were right in advising that but at the time it’s a complete whirl wind of fear and emotion.

 Once the team and you sort out a treatment plan it does become better as you have something to focus on. This site is very good to ask questions and realise you are not alone. You will get through it!!!!! Xxxxx

This was very similar to me but I was diagnosed 8 years ago at age 47.  Like you I seemed to come through relatively painlessly, however, I haven’t passed my mammo at this 8 years mark and have had more mammos and ultrasound with biopsies.  Now await results from latest tests just under 2 weeks ago.  Worried and mind swinging between best and worst case sceanarios.  Maybe hear early next week.  Here we go waiting at phone and letterbox.

Hi Canna I've gone twelve years and I'm starting it all again. Dare I say I know exactly how you feel. I don't think I'm remembering but I seem to think I had tests, results and surgery in a fortnight. Each of my steps this time has been two weeks. The waiting is horrific there is no other word. I keep having flash backs that strike at the most unexpected moments. Last time I was at work, unfortunately this time I'm recovering from a bunionectomy so I don't have that as a distraction. I'm waiting for surgery I'm afraid. The procedure and treatment seem to mirror last time. The after care is VERY different.no week in hospital this time.This I think is upsetting and worrying my husband more than me. I'll keep everything crossed for you. Except my toes, they don't cross anymore; )

Please keep in touch, let me know how you get on.

Hugs

Silverberg

Ps. I notice the time of your email. I slept last night, the wine helped. It's s##t when the brain won't stop.