JUST DIAGNOSED

carosmeme

Something is wrong with me....I do not feel the terror I'm reading about on here.  I am taking the approach that this is "just a bump in the road"  And I know that I have not been down this road yet..but if you are given a diagnosis of DCIC it is the (know you hate the word) "best" cancer to have, if you have to have it.  RIGHT???? Have I been misled?

Beesie

No, you are correct.  No cancer is good but if it's going to happen and you are going to get breast cancer, you want the cancer to be found at the earliest possible stage.  And that's DCIS.  DCIS, because it is completely contained to the milk ducts of the breast, cannot spread into the body. That's the best possible scenario for a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Have you had a needle biopsy or have you had your surgery?  The one thing to understand - and this is what strikes fear in many women - is that until the entire area of cancer cells is removed, you can't know for sure that your diagnosis is truly pure DCIS.  I don't say that to scare you but just to make you aware that no diagnosis or staging is finalized until after the final surgery (and any other necessary tests, for those with more advanced breast cancer).  In about 20% of cases where DCIS is initially found in a needle biopsy, some invasive cancer (usually just a microinvasion, as I have) is found in the final pathology. While a microinvasion doesn't significantly change the prognosis, it does change the staging from Stage 0 to Stage I. In a small percentage of cases, more invasive cancer is found and/or it's found that there is cancer in the lymph nodes.  That would represent a much more significant change. 

The other thing to understand is that DCIS is a very heterogeneous disease.  Some women are diagnosed with small isolated areas of DCIS.  Particularly if the DCIS is low grade, this is a low risk diagnosis and really can be "just a bump in the road".  But other women are diagnosed with multifocal or multicentric DCIS (DCIS in more than one area of the breast) and/or high grade DCIS and/or DCIS with comedonecrosis.  That was my diagnosis and that type of diagnosis presents a much greater risk that some invasion will be found (as it was in my case) or that the DCIS cells will convert to become invasive within a short period of time.  Additionally, for those who have a lot of DCIS or DCIS in more than one area of the breast, often there is no choice but to have a mastectomy.  So for some women, a diagnosis of DCIS is much more than "just a bump in the road".

I hope that your diagnosis has been finalized as being pure DCIS and that you have a small isolated low grade tumor.  That would be the best possible diagnosis of DCIS and there's no reason why that wouldn't be something that you could address and move on from quickly.  

mrsbeasley38

Did they tell you all of your path report?  Low grade would be less likely to ever be invasive. So I knew being grade 1 stage 0 I still had  a chance when they did the complete lumpectomy they may have found invasive cells but not likely. Plus there may have been other things said that you picked up on that you did not post on here. I felt the same as you and now I am onto the rads doing great and focusing on what to do to give me the best shot at a complete breast cancer free rest of my life. My mom has BC for the 2nd time and both times hers was invasive but two complete separate occurances. I beleive the digital mammogram saved me from her scenarios.  Plus I will choose rads and tamox which she did not 15 years ago after her first BC diagnosis. I will always keep up on all the research though as I have a 23 yr old daughter and who knows they may get to the point where she can change her diet or eat something that will be proven to prevent it all in the first place. I have been reading Dr. Mercola on health and a lot of other nutrition  information and I feel that WE ARE WHAT WE EAT and it comes out in our cells in good ways or bad.  How about you? 

boxermom

I was recently diagnosed and had a lumpectomy for DCIS and the slightly more invasive type. Forgive me, my notebook of terms, etc. is away from me at the moment. I had my second full breast radiation treatment yesterday and will continue M-F for six weeks.  I know I am blessed to have "stage one" and to have "caught it early", but for crying out loud: it's CANCER! I don't know how to see a silver lining in this.I have guilt when I recognize sisters in this who are stage 3 or 4 and have kids they want to help grow up, but all I can truly feel is what I own here, and that is stage 1, which may enable me to live with a lesser chance of recurrence than some women I know, but does not soothe the emotional dis-ease by which I have become afflicted.I have been an emotional basket case all this week, to the extent of needing my Pastor and my Doctor to console and treat me. I determined to give myself a better chance of full recovery by learning to Juice vegetables and fruit in addition to using organic produce as much as I can monetarily afford. I also have a great support system of women who have had, do have or are caregiving to women with cancer. These women have locked their arms around me with prayer, encouragement and good humor, not to mention real-time support like driving, attending appointments, etc. I believe in my own strength and ability to "get-er done". I thank my Lord and Savior and the saints he sent to me as friends so I don't have to flex my strength, but only need to let go and let GOD.

Bella_YT

JBinOK,

I have DCIS grade 3 Comedo on the left side. After reading several DCIS people's posting of their experience with Lumpectomy then re-excision and then mastectomy, I wonder whether it is better and easier to simply do a mastectomy. I have heard that with lumpectomy and radiation:

(1) the risk of reoccurence is higher

(2) you would not be able to do DIEP breast reconstruction simply because the radiation damages the vessels.

So my question is: should people like you and me with DCIS high grade comedo start considering mastectomy from the begining instead of lumpectomy?

Thanks,

Bella 

Bella_YT

Hi Beesie,

I also have DCIS grade III and comedo types, on the left. I have all receptors positive. Would it be wise to decide on a unilteral or bilateral mastectomy?

I did the BRAC test, and will not know the result until next week. And I am doing an MRI next Monday.

I have had ADH in both breasts from 2004-2007.

Thanks for your advise,

Bella 

MrsBowden58

I'm thinking "Just Diagnosed" fits where I am right now, but 2/18/11 seems like it was so long ago.  These have been the longest days of my life. Blessed that I opted for my annual 3 months before my 40th birthday, and my A-Team of doctors are "encouraged" that they caught it this early.  I'm encouraged by this forum.  I feel very isolated right now.  I've told a very small handful of my family members.  Always the center of attention, I'd rather NOT be right now.  The emotional roller coaster I'm riding is bigger and faster than any at Six Flags or Disney World.  I'm scheduled for my lumpectomy next Tuesday, and am fervently working to get all my ducks in a row.  I have two young daughters, 8 (with a b-day 1 week after my surgery) and 11, and I've wisely chosen NOT to share this with them.  I'll take my time and do that, AFTER my surgery, during spring break. 

 My questions have been answered, so far, to my satisfaction by my doctors and the lovely nurses.  I'm struggling with the men in my life (my husband & my boss) who seem to want to minimize what I'm experiencing.  So I've got 5 days to hydrate, and get a better attitude so that I may be at peace for my surgery.

CarylC

MrsBowden58 - I will be thinking of you on Tuesday and praying that everything goes well for you.

River_Rat

MrsBowden58, this is the worst time.  It does seem that the time between being told you have cancer and finding out what type and what the plan will be is the longest, scariest time.  My husband was kind of in denial early on but eventually "got it."

Since you're new you'll only be able to make 5 posts in each 24 hour period until you hit 50 posts total then you can post all you want.  You can however private message other members with no limit.  You can just click on a member's name at the side of their post and then when you get to their profile page click on  "Send member a private message up on the top right side of their page.  To check on your private messages, there is a link up at the top of all pages, just click on that "Private Messages" link.

You will find a lot of information and support here. 

I hope that things go well for you Tuesday.  Please keep us informed. 

Lovegolf

I felt the same way. I was like give the information I need, I will decide on a fight plan and then get fighting.  I knew I was going to make it to the otherside and be cancer free. You can do it too

Bella_YT

MrsBowden,

I will also be thinking of you on Tuesday and praying that your surgery goes well.

It is tough. And sometime you would feel lonely because no one else but you are going through this. The most important thing is that you get an excellent team of doctors in place and you acquire the courage to kick the cancer in the butt!

What I have realized through reading literature, talking to people in this forum, and talking to the doctors, is that this is a journey. It may not be a one time thing. After the Lumpectomy, I am guessing you will be going through radiation therapy. You will want to be mentally prepared for all possibilities. I have been reading literature/books on breast cancer. Some of the books I ordered via amazon Kindle. So while others on the subway may be reading novels via kindle, I read on this unpleasant topic. But I found by learning specifics about breast cancer, I am empowered and become a better judge for the types of surgery suitable for me, and I am calmer and more clear-headed when talking to different doctors.

I am also scared every now and then because as you I just started this journey but I know I have no choice but to put on the best fight I can. My DH has been away for a business trip for a while and I have been seeing most of these doctors on my own including transfering my care to a hospital and a doctor I have more confidence with and hence am more comfortable with. All I am trying to say is this could still be a lonely journey even if you have the best, the most understanding DH simply because you are the one who has to go to whereever places this may take you. It may be helpful that you share with your DH about your fear and worry. I have found that talking to people here is most informative and most comforting, because here people are fighting the same battle, and some of us are in a worse situation than you.

Just know that one in 10 women gets BC. As someone said either here or in a book I read, BC is the most researched and for the longest time and hence has the highest curable rate.

I am sure you, me and all the people here will won this battle!

Take care,

Bella 

somewhereinbetween

I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2011. So my story goes a little something like this. On tomarrow I will face the truth about my diagnosis which I feel is the scariest part of facing the unknown. In spite of me wanting a second opinion to satisfy or deny the the truth, I will undergo a radical right mastsectomy because I guess the doctors are the expert and the mammography results show that the cancer is spread throughout the breast. I'm somewhereinbetween not knowing, to knowing the right decision for me but ultimately I must turn my care over to a power greater than myself. I have to trust that the experts will do all that they can to perserve life because I've got a lot of living to do. Yes my life seems to be on hold but I will be back to give those the encouragement they need with a recently diagnosed.

somewhereinbetween

I'm back and I feel great! For real it is how I look at my situation that determines my outcome. Although I may be in pain from the surgery my spirits are as good as ever. I will not let this b\c beat me. For anyone that is scared it is natural. I believe that at this moment I am being cared for. My thoughts are of peace and long life. It is said that it is always darkest before the dawn. I am somewhereinbetween HOLDING THE TORCH OF LIFE FOR THOSE THAT DARE TO DREAM...