Diagnosed a week ago

Nay84

Diagnosed a week ago

Nay84

I'm 29 years old and was diagnosed a week ago. I was told I have DCIS and that the doctors are very concerned that it's aggressive and it's probably spread to other tissue. 

I'm so scared right now. I don't know what stage I'm at and my consult with the surgeon isn't until May 1st. Shouldn't the biopsy have told my doctor what stage and how aggressive this cancer is?

And does anyone have any advice on how to handle this? The waiting is killing me but at the same time I don't want to know. 

Infobabe

I had a pathology report from my biopsy.  You should ask for one, it is your legal right.  They shouldn't be leaving you on tender-hooks for so long.  Are you in the US?

There are many knowledgable women here who have gone through the same thing ready to help.  We are standing by.  I am so sorry this is happening to you.  

SpecialK

I am sorry that you find yourself in this situation at such a young age.  DCIS is ductal carcinoma in situ - meaning that it is not invasive and has not left the breast, DCIS means that the cancer is confined to the breast ducts only.  Pure DCIS is always stage 0, meaning that it is not life threatening.  Who has indicated that they think you have a spread outside the breast if you have not had a surgical consult yet?  It is possible that you have an invasive component to your breast cancer, but unless it has been discovered in your biopsy there is no way for your doctors to know that at this point, or whether it has spread beyond your breast.  Accurate staging cannot be done until you have surgical removal to know exactly what comprises your tumor(s), this is true for all of us.  Grade, which is different from stage, can be determined at the time of biopsy.  Here is some information from this site:

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/cell_grade

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/staging

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/invasive

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/diagnosis/getting_path_report

I know that it is difficult to control worry while you wait, but it is important to deal with what you do actually know rather than speculation.

Nay84

I was offered the pathology report but I didn't take it because I didn't want to know at the time. So stupid of me. I'm in canada, infobabe. 

SpecialK, that's what I had read as well about DCIS. When I asked my dr. if I should be less worried because the prognosis is so good she said no because they think it may have spread to surrounding tissue. She also said that I'm so young so they think it may be particularly aggressive. So I don't know why she's telling me this and not telling my why they think that other than the age factor. 

Thank you both for replying to my post. It's so helpful to talk with other women who are or have dealt with this. 

SpecialK

Spread to surrounding tissue and regional or distant metastasis are two very different things, and that is very important to keep in mind. I am wondering if the "surrounding tissue" meant other areas of the breast beyond what was imaged or biopsied.  Again, to reiterate - a diagnosis of DCIS, without an invasive component, which is stage 0, cannot move beyond the breast.  Being diagnosed at a young age is certainly concerning, but is not in and of itself, a reason to think your cancer has spread.  Even the most aggressive grade of DCIS, absent an invasive component, is still stage 0.

Infobabe

Nay, you are confused and we cannot comment without an understanding of what the pathology report says.  Call the doctor and tell them that you understand now that the pathology report will help your comprehension and you would like a copy now.

claire-2014

Nay84 - I am also 29 and was diagnosed on Wednesday, I have no idea what stage/grade etc mine is, all I know is it is in my breast and lymph nodes in armpit.

I understand how worried you are feeling, I too feel this way and don't know how to cope waiting 2 weeks to have my questions answered.

I am thinking of you. x

Maureen1

(((Nay84))) and (((claire-2014))) - it breaks my heart to hear that young women like you have been blindsided by this beast...Yes, I so strongly agree with the advice you're getting - you need the pathology report so you know what you're dealing with. I wish you didn't have to wait so long to see your surgeons? You will find so much wisdom and support on these boards and women who will help you get thru this...I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers (((Hugs))) Maureen

bcincolorado

I know there are many women in Canada on the boards who also may be of assistance navigating through your local healthcare system and have knowledge of the best doctors to see.  Best of luck to you.

Nikkito

Hi Nay84, I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with this. In terms of the fear you a experiencing, I think it would help you to have as much information as you can, as often the "unknown" can cause us more fear. So I hope you can get your pathology report asap. (I'm waiting on my results)Which province are you in?