JUST TDIAGNOSED

EllenRanchoMirage

JUST TDIAGNOSED

EllenRanchoMirage

Now awaiting appts. with City of Hope and Janet Ihde (Rancho Mirage)--any comments, insight, help anyone can send my way is appreciated---very numb and scared. Thank you!

Dx is from stereo mammo done 11/12/09 left breast--duct carcinoma in situ, solid and comedo types with high grade nuclei with central necrosis with central microcalcification

Estrogen and Progesteron receptor negative - 5% tumor staining

dlb823

Hi, Ellen ~ So sorry about your diagnosis.  I'm in Bermuda Dunes and am very familiar with your options, and would be happy to chat with you.  There's a Private Message feature here.  If you click on a screen name or an avatar, it will take you to a page from which you can send a Private Message.  I'm going to "PM" you now so that you will see how it works. 

While we have wonderful doctors in the desert, and I was diagnosed here and started my treatment locally, I thankfully ended up at UCLA.  I can also put you in touch with another BCO member who doesn't post much who used City of Hope and speaks very highly about her experience there.

I'm sorry that you're joining this club that none of us ever wanted to be in, but I'm glad that you found BCO and posted here tonight, and I hope I can ease some of your fear.        Deanna

CrunchyPoodleMama

Hi, and welcome... I know it's scary but you're going to be fine. I learned so much by reading old posts here on the DCIS forum (and some others). There are many WONDERFUL women here full of great information and support!!

eau117

Ellen, please collect as much information as you can before doing anything. DCIS is why the mammogram guidelines have changed; the task force report makes it clear that the significance of DCIS as a precursor to invasive cancer is unknown. Do yourself a favor and read the report. You can find it on the internet.

 Also, get a second opinion on the pathology report. My DCIS went from high-grade to low grade. My doctor told me that sometimes, pathologists classify atypia (not even a pre-cancer) as DCIS if there is a lot of it. I confirmed this on one medical school's web site (I think it was Stanford's).

 This is controversial stuff. I think it's pretty unconscionable that even after last week's bombshell, doctors would even operate on DCIS. Please arm yourself with as much infomation as possible.

sbmolee

Ellen - sorry you are here.  My suggestion would be to do research and get educated. Only You and your healthcare team can come up with what is the best treatment for you.  They will give you options but it is your decision based on your specific unique circumstances.  When you go to your appointments, take a friend to listen or take good notes.  Have your list of questions based on your research.  Take your time making your treatment decisions and remember you have to be comfortable with the treatment plan best suited for you and your circumstances.  May you find peace with your decisions.

Eau117 - not sure I understand your comments on "unconscionable...to perform surgery on DCIS"  My team and I decided a bilateral mastectomy was best for my circumstances and I have NOT once regretted my decision to take this agressive approach to treatment.  I have much peace of mine with my decision and my 2% chance of recurrance by taking this approach.  While not best for all, it is a very personal decision for each of us and I am very thankful my PS and ONC were supportive of my decision to have a bilat mast to get rid of my cancer, my desire to not have radiation or toxins and reduce my risk of recurrance. 

katoMato

Hi Ellen - I found you! (Thanks Deanna!)

It was good talking to you today. You're in good hands at C of H, and you have some of the best resources RIGHT HERE on this board. Read, read, read...I know you'll make the best decision for you.

Always available to you, sister.

Kaye