Just diagnosed with DCIS

Welcome to the forum, sorry you find yourself here. Liz O’Riordan who I don’t know if you’ve come across, look her up on Instagram, her posts are excellent, says for most people it genuinely is just bad luck. A few cases are exceptions but the estrogen and age are the factors against us. I had DCIS in 2013 and had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy and it’s as frightening a prospect. I couldn’t say what they’ll opt for in your case, it’ll depend on grade, size of lump compared to breast, etc. this is a horrible time when you’re absorbing the news. You do get through it, and there’s lots of experience on here to help you through, ladies of all stages and all diagnosis. All the best xx

Dear Komost.  I felt exactly like this.  I think it is a common response.  I also had DCIS.  I found it hard to get my head around the fact that I felt well and had no symptoms.  It really knocked me as I had no idea I had this.  It is strange that you feel well and you go to hospital and that makes you feel rubbish.  I felt really let down by my body and lost confidence that I know it well (if that makes sense).  I felt a real loss of control that I found hard.  Cancer is such a common thing though.  People get it for all kind of reasons. I found it useful to just stay in the now and devoted my power to getting through the hour & the treatment.  I have put it down to bad luck, but will revisit this again when things are more settled for me.   I realised early on that I only had so much brain time each day and wondering why I had cancer wasn't helping at all.  It is a rubbish thing to happen.  I am sorry you find yourself here.  The Breast Clinic team I had were great.  They pulled me through and supported me to do what I would have though impossible.  I have come far but still have a way to go.  You need to strap in and just go along with it all for a bit unfortunately.  It's tough but not impossible.  Remember to breathe xx

I had my lumpectomy in September and finished radiotherapy a few days before Christmas. I just went along with every stage of the treatment and didn't allow myself time to stop and think about it (the fear, the shock, the why?) until after the radiotherapy was completed. Even now, I haven't wept. I know it will come and I am heading for a big crash but for now it is better to just get on with things and keep distracted.

Hi Kimost,

When the doctor told me you have cancer, it didn't really hit me. A couple of days later I was sobbing on the floor thinking, OK I don't want to have cancer anymore. I never thought why me? When you are healthy you don't ask why am I so lucky to be healthy. I keep telling myself this too shall pass. I try to be prepared too for all eventualities, and I know I will have crappy days. But there will be good days too. And you will get through it, the bad and the good. I find this is a great place for support, even just reading through different posts has helped me a lot and calmed me down a lot too. It will get better once you have more information. In the meantime feel free to vent, chat, have a laugh or a cry. Everyone here understand what you are going through. Sending you a hug and strength, B xx

Thank you very much Anna12345. I have sort of come to terms with the fact wasting time wondering why, when there will never be an answer is not helpful. It is a horrible time and the hospital appointment on Monday is looming. At least I will know what I'm dealing with, and a plan. I want to know! Best wishes. 

I agree there's no point trying to ask myself why, and am trying not to. It just doesn't make sense when I have none of the risk factors! 

You are right about breathing. I have been so stressed and am trying to remember to do that... slowly out helps calm your body. Thank you for your support.  Best wishes.

Best wishes for Monday, Kimost.

• You are right about many things! This too shall pass is something often say to others. I do need to understand what my plan of treatment is. Roll on Monday! Thank you for your kind words. 

Rather than concentrating on breathing out, which I then find makes me more aware of my breathing and gets me stressed, I find relaxing thr stomach muscle is a good way to keep calm. Could just be me as I do tense my stomach when stressed. But it works for me. You could try it.

Dear greatcrestedgrebe, you seem to feel like me. I agree I will never know why, exactly and I find that tough as I try so hard to keep in excellent health. I'm the health nut who knows so much, and actually have a medical career so understand the anatomy and physiology. I have too much knowledge! I feel my body has let me down. I will feel better when I know the plan on Monday and have met the oncologist.  Best wishes.