What now?

Mldeherrera

I have had a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and a vacuum assisted biopsy. I got the biopsy results yesterday, and they are saying DCIS. How do they know if it has spread to the nodes if they were not tested? I see the surgeon tomorrow morning, but what happens now? The mass in my breast is very large. I was told if they took out he lump it would be at least 30% of my breast tissue. Will I need chemo, radiation, and will these be done before or after surgery? I am not that attached to my boobs, I would rather them just take them both completely off so I don't have to go through this again. If I do have a mastectomy, is chemo and radiation still needed? Sorry that's a lot, but I am very confused. I am a 37 year old with a 15 year old daughter, and no family history. 

vbishop

Sorry you are joining the club.  I can" hear" the panic.   Slow down....deep breath! 

Okay, first the diagnosis.  If you have to be diagnosed with breast cancer, DCIS is the one to ask for.  Any number of us would switch with you in a heartbeat!!  DCIS means that the cancer is in the duct but is non-invasive...it has not moved outside the duct.  That in itself is great news!  So try to relax....I know it's hard with "cancer" associated with your name.

The hard part is assembling your medical team and understanding the treatment plan.  You are already halfway through that process by meeting with the surgeon.  It is way too early to even think about a MX.  See your doctors.  If you can, take someone with you that can take notes.  Trust me, you will only hear a smidgeon of what the surgeon says.  If you can't take someone with you, take a recorder.  You will be glad you did.

There are other ladies that are far more knowledgeable about the DCIS process that will be along shortly.  But I wanted to drop in and tell you that you are in good shape, bc wise.  There is also a thread specific to DCIS and meeting with the surgeon (questions to ask, etc), so you may want to check them out. 

Stop back by and let us know how you are doing.  We are here for you and very supportive.

Mldeherrera

thank you very much. I am in a panic, and I know I am doing a lot better them a lot of women out there. I pray for each and every one of you. Thank you for your love and support. I will keep you posted. 

vbishop

One of my good friends told me months ago, after I was diagnosed and in the early stages, "don't borrow trouble and go with what you know".  That one phrase became my mantra and helped keep me sane.  It stopped many, many pity parties in their tracks...or at the very least, shortened them to minutes not hours. 

So...go with what you know.  You have DCIS - so you probably have options that a lot of us didn't have - you should have choices!  That's great news.  It also means you caught it early, even though it is big (I have a friend recently diagnosed with a large tumor and she also has DCIS).  That is also great news.  So far you are two for two.  And you don't know much else yet.  So...stick with the good news until you hear different.  Don't get on the train until it reaches the platform! 

Hugs!!