it gets better

lovestorun

Two years ago today I had the first of two lumpectomies for this scary and confusing thing called DCIS.  I want to let those of you who are recently diagnosed and those of you going through whatever treatments that are your path:  it does get better.  Or it has for this girl. 
I will admit that I am not someone who went through surgery, radiation (am currently on Tamoxifen) and came out on the other side grateful for the experience.  Am I changed?  Yes.  Some for the better, some for the worse. From time to time I let DCIS and cancer anxieties get the better of me.  But those times are fewer and further between.   

I am still me.  (For that I am very grateful.)  I am still with my s.o., I still have my job, and I am still very active (I run or work out about 4 days a week).  My skin has healed from the radiation and those teensy tiny tattoos are my only souvenirs.  My surgical scar has healed remarkably well.  I do on occasion get achy on my side, but a little PT and stretching has helped. 

I wish I had great advice for getting through.  I don't.  Okay, well, maybe this:  Eat your vegetables.  Try to get a little exercise if you are able. Laugh.  Cry.  When the weather warms, plant some flowers or a shrub that will bring you joy each year it blooms.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Some friends will be there for you; others will not.  The latter can be disappointing and painful - focus on the ones who are there, as well as the kindness of strangers.  Remember to breathe. 

I wish you all well. 

MagicalBean

lovestorun-Your post was so timely for me. In 2 weeks I will have my first mammo since my DX. It is very unnerving. Fortunately, the center where I go will have me meet with a Dr. to get the results within an hour of the mammo. And if additional tests, biopsies etc need to be done, they'll be done that day. They make it as easy as possible for us patients, but the fear is right there on top.

Congratulations on your 2 year mark. I hope to be there in another 18 months.

Again, thank you.

have2laugh

Congrats on two years. Next week will be one year for me. I had my first surgery on my birthday-just happened to work with surgeon's schedule and a visit from my sister. I am glad now as it will be another yearly reminder to be mindful of all I have. Best of luck to you.

LAstar

So true. Some cannot say that it gets better, so we are fortunate in this way. I was diagnosed 3 years ago today and had no idea what was in store for me. I'm hoping that I'm at the end of this saga. I hope for you too! I find that I appreciate the simple things more. Life is sweet!

Cindielm

lovestorun-Your story sounds exactly like me and how I felt during the extremely difficult road that we all don't want to travel!!  This is the first time I have posted on the site, but I have been reading non-stop other women's stories and have been so touched by the endless compassion and caring that everyone gives each other.  Last April I too was told I have DCIS, stage 0, grade 2. Never heard of DCIS and the rest was even more complicated.  Had two lumpectomies and after the second surgery a cancer cell was still found, however BS said the radiation would take care of it.  I am now on Arimidex for 5 years with the wonderful SE of non-stop hot flashes.  I just checked into the TEVA brand today and will be getting it this weekend.  I have to admit I have my bad days where I worry constantly about a recurrence and with my first mammo coming up next month I'm nervous about something being found and having to start all over again.  I have to say that my journey I went through, the physical pain was very minimal, however the emotional struggle was devastating.  I have now gotten to the point where it doesn't consume me, but never a day goes by where something doesn't remind me of it------like the fact my bra's fit better on one side than the other!!!!!  Anyway, it's great to have friends that we have something in common----and that we can lean on each other for support!!!

---

DX-4-28-14 DCIS, stage 0, grade 2

Surgery - 6/2/14 lumpectomy - 2 pieces removed-calcifications DCIS on first, 2 cells on second

Surgery - 6/30/14 lumpectomy - 1 cell found

Radiaiton - 8/13/14 - 5 wks - external

Hormonal Therapy - 10/14 - Arimidex - 5 years

Moderators

Lovestorun, great realistically balanced post, thanks for your feedback.

Cindielm, welcome to BCO Forum, we're glad you found us. It is only natural to be apprehensive about every mamo now. It takes you back and that is a very common feeling. We wish you all the best with clear scans and minimal SEs.

The Mods

ballet12

Thank you, loves to run, that was beautiful.

 

trailrose

Lovestorun- Thank you for that beautiful post. All so true. I look forward to so many things that I'm not able to do right now such as being able to just lay on my sides! I've always (and am) been a happy and positive person and sometimes this process can be trying and test my patience but I keep on persevering. Soon enough when I'm able to do the things that I did before it will be even sweeter! Thank you to all my sisters out there that have helped me tremendously. It helps to know that others are experiencing the same symptoms and side effects and that I'm not alone.