New to Breast Cancer

Stage 1 means the area is contained in one area of the breast and hasn’t started to spread. Grade 3 relates to the size and shape, which also relates to how quickly it might spread. Generally grade is an estimate based on scans, and stage is after they’ve operated and done the whole pathology.

Unfortunately, it’s quite common for DCIS, which is technically a pre cancer, to include some microscopic areas of invasive cancer. What is “just a DCIS” can escalate if not treated. I read somewhere I can’t verify that 50% of DCIS “probably” wouldn’t turn invasive. I don’t know about you, but even if that was the risk, I wouldn’t be chancing it! My area of DCIS and LCIS (which is even less likely to turn invasive) both contained extensive areas of invasive cancer - 4.5cms. Having a mastectomy wasn’t great but I’d still rather that than a ticking time bomb, I’m sure you’d agree. Good luck to both of you 

I had grade 1 DCIS in one breast and invasive in the other, graded as 2-3. I didn't go into how or why that happened, as I just wanted it treated, but it is proof that cancer can be very agressive and act in unusual ways. I was totally unaware that any of it was there as my mammograms before the one I had this year showed nothing suspicious at all. I felt no lumps at all.

I agree I was absolutely sure that mastectomy was right for me.  Although I’m now still unsure that my remaining boob is OK. They said the areas were microscopic but quite a few. So very hard to pick up. Feels likely they could have missed something. I suppose whatever our situation we will all have to live with worrying about the next scan or the next result. Take care of yourselves everyone xx

I felt no lumps at all and had a small invasive lobular cancer in my left breast which did show in the mammogram. However, my right breast nothing showed up on the mammogram, a tiny DCIS showed up on the MRI and LCIS in the core biopsy and it was only when they operated they discovered extensive invasive cancer in the right breast. Looking back however, I had a swollen lymph node on my right side which could have been reacting to the nearby cancer - it had been like that for a couple of years.

Going forwards, I know that most cancers are relatively slow growing and even though it’s best to find them early, most become apparent when still relatively early so any lump, discomfort or oddness in my remaining breast, I will jump up and down about. And if anything LCIS, DCIS, a sand grains worth of invasive cancer, I’ll be demanding a mastectomy. Boy, I feel sorry for my future doctors 

Hi -Ana-

You're only doing all you can to take real care of your health. Who will be your advocate if not for you! I would do the same too...no shame in that.

I had wished the surgeon would have ultra sound my mastectomy breast before I was discharged 

Cx 

Thanks. That makes more sense now.

Cx