Microcalcifications, DCSI Intermediate

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Hi all, just joined the club that nobody wants to join sadly.

  1. I had my yearly mammogram 25th April and was called back due to microcalcifications being found, was sent for for a US but unfortunately the radiologist couldn't find the microcalcifications as they were so small, so was referred for a stereotactic biopsy on the 5th May. Results, DCSI intermediate 37mm. Last week I had a MRI and i am now waiting for the results. I am so stressed out that I have lost 6 kilos even though I am eating really well. I've had to start taking sleeping pills or else there would be no way I would get more than 2 hours sleep a night, this whole thing is a nightmare. I make myself go out for walks and swimming, plus listen to alot of mindfulness videos but nothing seems to get my mind off the word that begins with the letter C. Doesn't help that it's been 7 weeks since my mammogram and I still haven't got a plan.
  • Hello   I am so sorry that you find yourself here, but welcome.

    The first few weeks where you are now have so much waiting. It is so hard to cope with. It sounds as if you’re doing all the right things.

    The MRI you’ve just had will really help your team to recommend their treatment plan to you. They’ll discuss what it shows at a MDT multi disciplinary team meeting, and then be in a position to meet with you again with their recommendation for your treatment plan.

    Do you have a date set for this next appointment yet? I hope it won’t be too long now.

    Hugs xx

  • Hello  

    First of all welcome to the community which you would rather not be part of.  

    You will find that it's not as bad as you've been imagining, I am sure.  Easy to say, I know!

    Chemotherapy is generally not used for DCIS as it's not yet turned into cancer, so that is one bit of good news, I hope, for you.

    Depending on the size of your breast is whether you'll have a lumpectomy; and hopefully this is the case for you, but your surgeon will tell you what they think is achievable. 

    I had cancer and DCIS and had lumpectomy of 80mm (it depends on the size of your breast as they take 1cm around to get clear magins). I don't have any advice re a mastectomy, but after a lumpectomy you will also have radiotherapy.  This is, I can guarantee, a LOT easier than chemotherapy. I was worried about side effects - as they list them all - and I was left sided, so they talk about heart damage etc. BUT I am nearly 8 years post diagnosis and, having 5 years on oestrogen suppressant tablets, I have had no side effects whatsoever.  The only thing I find is that the radiotherapy caused tenderness in that breast, so sometimes it hurts if I roll over in bed on it.   I was able to drive the 60 miles (there and back) for the 15 sessions of radiotherapy I had with no fatigue - drink, drink, drink with radiotherapy helps prevent fatigue.

    Just take each step at a time and just run with what your consultant advises and you will find that it's a lot more doable than you ever imagined.  I was worried about every step, but each step was a LOT easier than I ever feared it would be - except for the waiting, of course, because the mind runs riot with everything possible outcome doesn't it?

    Kindest wishes, Lesley

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  • Hi, thank you for your reply.

    As yet I still haven't got a date, I'm waiting for them to ring me to tell me the date, as you said hopefully it won't be too long, all this waiting is driving me crazy.

  • Thank you for your reassuring message, I'm so pleased for you that everything went well and that you are enjoying life to the full.