Diagnosed yesterday

Hello, sorry you find yourself here but you will get great support.  Never heard of PLCS.   In May 2015 age 51 I was recalled from my first rountine screening mammogram for 2 areas of calcification (10mm & 5mm).   I was diagnosed with DCIS in the 10mm area only.  The smaller area was benign.  I had a WLE in July and radiotherapy in September.  11mm high grade DCIS was final diagnosis after surgery.  I've had annual mammogram and a few biopsies over the last 6 years but all been ok.  Phantom pain is common when awaiting tests etc.  

How was your cancer detected ?  Did you have lump?

Hi

I'd not heard of this type either.  This is what I have found: Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ is more likely to become invasive breast cancer and spread to other tissues in the breast than the more common form is. Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ usually occurs in postmenopausal women. Also called PLCIS. So, to me it sounds as if it is pretty good news. (If you can have good news with a diagnosis!!!)

It sounds similar to DCIS, but faster growing.  So, the fact that they are diagnosing as  PLCS/ PLCIS then the cells look /are very different from invasive cancer on scans / biopsies they've done.

Also, as they are saying that it is treated the same as DCIS (which again, is non-invasive) and they are looking at radiotherapy treatment, they seem to be very confident in what they have diagnosed.  If they weren't 99% sure they wouldn't say anything.  It does happen obviously where there is a 'shock discovery' during an operation, but try and be reassured that you have a form of cancer which is described as "non life threatening".
I had 2 x areas of DCIS totaling 54mm and an area of invasive cancer 15mm (IDC) - they were different types, so my DCIS hadn't become my invasive cancer - which was a surprise, but they treated me by the 'life threatening' cancer - being the invasive cancer. Because I was oestrogen positive for the invasive, I only needed radiotherapy too.  My DCIS was grade 3 (which I suspect your PLCS is) and in the month I waited for my operation hadn't grown any more from their original diagnosis.

As Grogg says, it's amazing that any twinge/pain etc once diagnosed is more at the forefront of your mind and possibly you wouldn't have even noticed it before.

Kindest Wishes, Lesley

lesleyhelen

Thanks you post was really enlightening I hadn’t heard of PLCS either.

I have just had a lumpectomy for DCIS and have been worrying about it spreading whilst waiting for my follow up and radiation plan. Your post has given me hope

i agree about the heightened awareness of any pain and twinge now your mind goes into overdrive doesn’t it

thank you for sharing your experiences I’m sure it will help lots of people 

best wishes x

Thanks to everyone who’s responded. It’s good to share and talk about experiences and feelings.

Only thing I’d say is the armpit and shoulder discomfort started before my routine mammogram was even arranged. I’d had the invite letter a couple of months before and being busy/lazy, it wasn’t until I got this discomfort that I was kicked into action to book my routine mammogram. That was 23rd December and I had my recall letter after the Christmas break. Further mammograms, ultrasound and core needle biopsy then the wait, getting results yesterday. Surgery on 14th Feb. I know prognosis is good but goodness it knocks you for six. 

Im carrying on as best I can but I feel very p****d off is the only way to describe it but also very anxious about it being worse than they think. I know many of us have likely had other challenges in life and you keep picking yourself back up, being strong for others - I just feel so weary right now. I know I’ll need to be really mindful of my mental health. I always tend to put others first. 

Has anyone found journaling or a diary type thing useful? Also what do we think of face to face support groups?

G

I have started journaling as it was recommended.  It’s not my natural go to and I struggle with it sometimes.  But I feel positive after doing it.  I guess it’s another way of expressing my feelings.  As to face to face support, I’d absolutely love that.