Can I exhale now?

canuckgirl

Hi all -

I'm 49 and was DX with 9 mm of mixed Grade 2 and 3 DCIS with comedonecrosis in early August.  I had my first lumpectomy on August 25 and path report came back clear - non-invasive with 1 mm as the closest margin.  Surgeon said no more surgery - radiologist wanted larger margins and that would reduce my RT to 3 weeks instead of 4.  Plus she wanted to make sure no DCIS was lurking - she didn't exactly say this - but I got the feeling that's what she was thinking.  Fast forward - went in for re-excision on October 27th and told the surgeon to take out 1 cm because I didn't want to come back for a third time.  I just received my new path report and apparently the surgeon took out a chunk that was 3.5 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.3 cm and NO FURTHER DCIS NOTED.  Radiologist called and told me my treatments were down to 16 with no boosts required.  I am really grateful for this outcome - but I'm still waiting to exhale and I find that I can't quite yet!  What the heck!!!  Cancer sure has a way to screw with our minds.

 

 

 

Ariom

Hi canuckgirl! I know just what you mean about waiting to exhale!

I had a very similar Dx, but different surgery to you and I hear you, about how this plays with your mind. I am a few days away from 2 years since Dx and although I am pretty happy with my new normal, I am not the same person that stumbled in here nearly 2 years ago.

I must say, the first Mammo and first 6 monthly appointment were nerve wracking and I found a lump that sent me into a spin till I found it was a cyst, after a biopsy, but as the months slip by, it does get better. I know I got the "good" Dx, with the "good" final pathology, but even so, I am forever changed, by the experience. 

Hugs to you!

april485

Amen canuckgirl! I had the EXACT same situation with a 1mm margin in one little corner and so I had a re-excision and now all margins are more than 10mm. I know what you mean by waiting to exhale. Seems to me the only time we can exhale after a diagnosis of BC is when we are confident that it is not coming back - Translation = Never. But, it does get better as Ariom pointed out. We are just never the same as before the diagnosis. Warm Regards and wishing you the best with your treatment!

Janet456

It does get better and you will exhale again.  Must admit the check ups send me over the edge a bit, but like Ariom said, we are forever changed a bit.

My closest margin was 3mm and I skipped rads - I am exhaling a lot now as it's 2 and half years out.  All the best to you xxx

canuckgirl

Ladies - Thanks for your stories and encouraging words!  I'm thankful that I've found others who understand what an emotional rollercoaster ride this can be.  Friends and family are all supportive, but at times I don't think they "really" understand how our minds can screw with us.  Again, I'm appreciate of your kind thoughts and words.