Newly Diagnosed- Now what?

Sprinkles31

I was diagnosed with DCIS last week so it’s still sinking in. It’s been a whirlwind of appts., starting with a routine mammogram on 9/29, followed by an ultrasound on 10/04, followed by biopsy on 10/09 with an MRI today and the plastic surgeon tomorrow. Originally I was only diagnosed with the right breast, received a call from Dr., today saying it is also in the left breast. I guess I’ll be scheduling a double mastectomy. Now I’m worried about the lymph nodes and what the chances are of finding cancer there. All this waiting is stressful, how does one cope and stay on top of everything else in life.

Rrobin0200

it's a world wind, for sure. Do you know the grade yet? Hormone receptor status? My best advice to you is this: don't google anything. Stick to this forum. Follow the advice of your doctor, but also do what feels right for you. I chose a BMX, only because I wanted to take the most proactive approach there is. The worst part for me wasn't the physical healing; it's the emotional roller coaster that still has me a wreck. It's not easy when you're first diagnosed. Once you know your action plan, your nerves will settle down. You won't know your lymph node status until the final path report (after surgery.). Make sure to bring someone with you to the appointments. It's just nice to have a second set of ears. Best of luck to you. Keep us posted

LAstar

Waiting is SO stressful! It's good to stay busy. Sometimes getting a little work done felt like a vacation from the constant worry. Also exercise is great to help your mood and to feel strong for surgery. I happened to be doing a lot of core exercises when I was diagnosed, and it was helpful when I was recovering from surgery. Get your house all cleaned up, throw stuff out, get organized while your arms are strong. You'll have helpless little "T-rex" arms for a while after BMX while you are recovering (and then you will be able to slowly get back to normal with full range of motion and strength). Best wishes to you through this whole process. I am over 5 years out from BMX and life has felt pretty normal for quite a while.

Sprinkles31

thanks for the reply. I’m looking at my report and don’t see anything that says grade. I do know it’s ER positive and PR negative. Congrats to you for being 5 years out, good to hear things will get back to normal

Sprinkles31

Thanks for the reply. Good advice to get my house in order and start exercising more. I am pretty active and very busy with work, so that has helped. I have been using work as a distraction and not sure I have given myself time to really sink in

PauletteK

Keep yourself busy and spend time with your family and friends. Waiting is more stressful I found that also. Don’t over thinking because that will,get your anxiety up. Pray that will help.

LAstar

Sprinkles, it took years to sink in and it still surprises me once in a while! It's very surreal. A good cry now and then helps too. You don't have to feel brave and strong to be brave and strong. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, be kind to yourself as you are going through so much, keep positive helpful people around you, and one day you will find yourself on the other side of this thing. xo

Ellyn27

I was recently diagnosed with DCIS on left breast. Went for biopsy and had the wire localization procedure and lumpectomy last Thursday. I have my followup with the surgeon next week and praying for clear margins. I was told that if all is well, I will begin radiation and be taking tamoxifin. The lumpectomy went well and I have to wear a sports bra to keep everything snug and in place or I'm in a little pain. I was worried most about the wire localization just before the lumpectomy because I knew I could not get meds for that since I'd be out for the lumpectomy. It was a very long day and you just need to remain calm and positive. Going to the hospital for anything is unnerving.  I'm just very thankful that my docs found this before it got worse and I'm able to get it treated. I try to not read too much or you spend your day thinking about it. I plan to sign up for Yoga to learn how to release stress. I just found out about support groups at the hospital and may check that out. That could either be helpful or more depressing .... one day at a time. I'm going out for a walk now to get some sunshine, that always cheers me up. Don't stress, stay positive and think of it as a reminder and second chance to get healthier. You got this!!!