Just been diagnosed with DCIS, lost afraid, numb!!!

@VRJPBraehead

Oh obviously very new as I can’t tag you

Well god bless that friend who pointed you to here as there is a wealth of experience and compassion to be found here

People who are living the process day on day

And people who will hold out a hand of friendship

Can I say no question is too big or too small or silly around here. So ask away

Those early days can be hell a fog of “did they really just say that to me?” 

My big tip us explain to those people you trust about the road of treatment. Explain that you may have to be a little to very selfish to get through this. And maybe tell them when I say NO I mean it. And when I say YES I mean it

Feel free to tap on my name at the top of my post and read about my time here . And know that one year on I’m sat on holiday I place I never ever thought I’d get to.

Be kind and gentle with yourself 

And make your mending a priority in your life

Leolady56

Yours was the first post I read after joining. I too was diagnosed 4 days ago and feel exactly the same. I hoping that by reading through these chats I can find my feet and get on the front foot. It’s early days, be kind on yourself x

Hi, I was diagnosed with DCIS in February this year. There is nothing that can prepare you for the gut punch of being told you have cancer. Struggling with this is completely normal and what makes it harder is knowing it's not just you who struggles - this affects everyone who loves us too. 

I coped by trying to focus on one day at a time (harder than it sounds!), taking care of myself (fresh air, healthy eating etc) and allowing myself to lean on the people I love when I needed support (this was a new experience for me). I also phoned the Macmillan helpline when I felt overwhelmed and they were always amazing.

Sending hugs xx

and can i first welcome you both to the community none of want to be a member of but under the circumstances the best community. This place is fantastic for support and advice. I know because the lovely people here got me through the last year and continue to do so even though i now have the all clear.

I think everyone struggles when they first get told, after all its not something any of us expect to happen. Just know we have all been where you are now. Everyone struggles but i found once i go chatting to people who "Got Me" because they were or had been through the same it made it easier.

Read my profile and see that i had some DCIS but now they are gone, i am now cancer free and you will be too. My advice is take each step at a time, write down any questions you have and take them to appointments, because if you're like me the minute you get in there your mind will go blank. You will also be given a breast care nurse, most of them are worth their weight in gold and will be there for you throughout and long after all this. So use them, ring if you are unsure about anything or want any answers.

Coming here you will meet people who have been or are going through what you are, and before you know it you'll be the ones giving advice to others. Like Leolady56 said, no question is a silly one, believe me i've asked some in my time here but there is always someone who comes along and understands or has been through the same. 

Don't put yourself under too much pressure, its ok to have days you feel poopy but don't let them out weight the days you feel strong and you've got this sorted. Once  you have a treatment plan and understand what is going to happen you'll feel better and more in control. 

We'll be beside you every step of the way climbing that mountain don't you worry and we'll be there cheering you on when you reach the top.

Keep talking to us ladies xxx

Hi there.

Well- indeed, where does one start? You've made an incredibly positive start by joining this group and admitting how you feel...

I was diagnosed in September 2018 with invasive ductal cancer, grade 2, HER2+ and OR and PR + after my first mammogram aged 52- no lump detected myself- it was a shadow on the mammogram and a small lump was found under ultra sound.

I teach in a special school and lead a department of 6 classes and staff and I spent the first 3 weeks comforting my friends and my colleagues whilst breaking the news to them...I was weirdly calm and accepting of the diagnosis I think that this is because by breast care team were so positive and supportive...

My team, based in Derby, were very open and honest and explained(patiently) what my choices were.

I had two surgeries to remove an early small cancer (lumpectomy)- no lymph node involvement.

I've recently finished chemotherapy - which wasn't a walk in the park but also wasn't as bad as I expected! Continuing with Herceptin until March, being monitored closely every three months- heart scans

I'm just back after my first radiotherapy session and all went well.

I start back to work this week too.. so I can testify that there most definitely is light at the end of the deep dark tunnel that we find ourselves in on some days.. It's not yet all over for me but I'm well on the way.

The best advice I was given was to be true to yourself and honest with those that you trust. Carry on as best you can and take one small step at a time. Tick off every treatment; treat yourself... and last of all ASK FOR HELP- people want to help but don't know how...this was the hardest thing of all for me to do! But it has bought my friends and I closer than ever.

I'm a control freak and fiercely independent but I couldn't have got to where I am now without the understanding of my friends and close family.

It's OK to feel how you feel...if you're tired rest.. if you're sad cry' if you're happy laugh. don't let cancer define who you are.

Accept that folks will never know what to say to you and that they come from a place where they want to help and support... I smile inwardly when I get the all too common remark of 'Wow, you look really well!!!'... Because ??? how are you supposed to look when you are being treated for cancer?LOL

I have lost a little weight- but I'm quite glad about that- my hair is growing back and I'm beginning to feel like myself again.

I truly hope that all goes well for you and that you get the support and care that you deserve. I hope that my outpouring may help you to see that whilst the journey may not be what we planned for ourselves it can be conquered and we do come out the other side!!!

Take care and huggggssss xxxxx

Welcome both.  I was diagnosed with DCIS exactly 4 years ago on June 3rd 2015.  Just to reassure you I survived !!!!!

i know you are feeling scared and numb st the sane time wondering if you have a future.  You do but you will change your priorities going forward as being told you have cancer really focus you on what’s important.  E.g here I am at 55 taking early retirement just because I can and there is more to life than working :)

You will get people who don’t know what to say telling you that you are lucky !!!! Funny but I didn’t and still don’t feel lucky!!! Just tell them it’s a big desk being told you have cancer and you need space to process.  

The waiting is the worse but treatment moves in stages and you just have to get through it.  I went to New York after biopsy results and before surgery- highly recommend as you are away from well meaning family and friends who can’t help but treat you as a victim.  

So my treatment was surgery - lumpectomy (also called WLE wide local excision). I had 11 mm area removed from top of left breast and no significant dimple and invisible scar.  I had wire guided surgery witch meant under a local a fine guide wire inserted in the morning - less painful than biopsy. Then general surgery in afternoon and home in the evening.  I didn’t require any painkillers once home. 

Then 6 weeks after surgery 15 daily sessions of radiotherapy - took a few minutes daily for 3 weeks.  Painless procedure just need to keep skin moisturised.  

I took sick leave from biopsy till a few weeks after rads ended.  Working through is possible if job accommodating but I chose to just focus on me and my physical and mental well being .  You can read my bio for more info since .  

Well done for getting through the poop

Can I just add in:

And make you a priority in your life 

Be a little selfish and sometimes a lot 

The world of work will keep turning  - the queen is dead long live the queen is a good quote to be aware of . We are amazing but not irreplaceable . It will all be there when we emerge from this poop

Leolady56