Feel alone. Anyone with mastectomy for DCIS?
I had a mastectomy for DCIS 3 months ago. I know or know of 5-6 women with BC, but they all have invasive cancer, and are undergoing chemo or radiation (or both) along with their surgeries. I am the only woman I know of with DCIS. I know it sounds crazy, but after surgery, a meeting with an oncologist and plans for 6 month f/u, I just feel like I'm floating around in limbo. Of course, I don't want to be undergoing further treatment, but I feel like I want to be "followed" or supported by someone in the medical field---almost like I need to be a part of the "system" while this diagnosis is so new. I have the usual fears of most bc women, even though the pathology is DCIS. I'm "afraid they missed something," I worry about my family, my kids, etc. I get concerned when I have pain somewhere, thinking "maybe it was invasive cancer instead of DCIS and it has metastasized. It's like I had a mastectomy and now I'm turned loose to deal with all that a cancer diagnosis entails. I feel guilty talking to my chemo friends about my concerns----they probably feel like I'm on the other end of the spectrum from them and I can't relate to their current situations. I take meals to their families, keep regular tabs on them, send them cards of encouragement, offer to help them with everyday things. I often wonder "why do I have DCIS and they have invasive cancer?" That fact seems so odd to me. My husband and friends are great, supportive and more than I could ask for. But as you all know, only someone with bc can truly relate to what we go through. I guess I'm looking to relate to someone who understands my particular situation and feelings right now.
Thank you.
Comments
-
I know exactly how you feel, and I think most people with DCIS feel the same way. I had surgery for DCIS (also a mastectomy) last September and a preventative mastectomy on the opposite side (strong family history) this past summer. I had numerous healing issues along the way, but I still always feel that I should be so grateful that this was caught in the DCIS stage. However, I still feel like a cancer victim. I lost my breast to it. I worry as you do that one day this beast will come back and get me and like you maybe something was missed. I know how you also feel that you want follow-up by medicals your entire life. The other day my breast surgeon pretty much told me to move on with life. He will now see me twice a year. Everyone around me, although they are supportive, thinks that my life is back to the way it was. Truefully, once you have cancer it can never go back that way because you are opened to the reality that anything can hit you at any time. It does get slightly better as time moves on. I still worry constantly, but I am back at work and doing what I need to do and trying not to let it consume me. You are not alone. Anyone who has walked this journey knows exactly how you are feeling. Prayers and hugs to you.
-
AmyD,
I was diagnosed with DCIS and LCIS and had a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I know a number of women, including my mom, who have had bc (most were diagnosed within the past 1 1/2 years since my dx). We have all had different treatment. I feel a little guilty because ALL I had were surgeries and procedures and no other treatment while these other women have lost their hair, were sick, had radiation, had problems with ports, side effects from chemo or the drugs they take and many other things that seem so much more harsher than what I went through. I feel like I didn't go through much compared to them. Their treatment was more visually noticeable than mine and I feel guilty when someone tells me that I look great and no one would know that I had breast cancer. I guess I feel like I didn't go through enough to warrant having bc. Does that make sense?
Now, the other side to that is what those women have told me. They think about what I went through...9 biopsies, bilat mx with painful expanders, drains, allergic reactions to medications and drugs, and trouble with anesthesia. After that, more surgeries, revisions and procedures for reconstruction (I'm almost done, thankfully). And mostly...I no longer have my breasts. They didn't go through those things and feel bad because they didn't go through what I did.
Once the "c" word is associated with you, I don't think you ever stop being concerned that it will come back, or if some ache or pain is really another cancer. There is the feeling of vulnerability that I know I didn't have before.
After two years of knowing that "something" was there, I no longer think about bc all the time. I have tried to do positive things regarding cancer. Like you, I gave other women meals and gifts that meant a lot to me during my cancer treatment, I just did the Making Strides for Breast Cancer 5K walk, I try and help other women here on the boards, and I'm more vocal about breast cancer and the need for women my age (diagnosed at 38) to do their exams, get mammograms, (especially when they are high risk), and take charge of their health.
Even though we don't all have the same treatments, we all have a common bond of being diagnosed with cancer. It is somethng that no one else without it, can relate to. You're not alone. Best wishes.
-
I had right mastectomy on Sept 15, and now I worry every day, have pains thinkin its cancer yada yada yada. Did anyone take the tamoxifen? Have filled it but im not taking it. Peace of mind was stolen. Trying to live, because we are lucky its non invasive, its gone physically, but mentally, I feel like its still there. Sick of pink ribbons etc. Having trouble getting reconstriction done due to insurance. Dr doesnt want to take etc. Cants top thinking doom and gloom. But it <cancer> is GONE- I wonder dont they have to check for more? Just because DCIS was contained I still worry. Im mental. Scared. Always worried Id get it. Lost mom to it. Now i think my summers are numbered. HELP
-
AmyD I feel the same way. I feel so lucky but at the same time scared that I have cancer. I also have friends that suffered through it all (chemo/rads) and I feel guilty that my brst ca didn't require this. But I must say I get kinda mad when I hear people calling dcis a pre cancer, so I just had a bl mx for a precancerous condition?? Anyway I just wanted to tell you I feel the same. Maybe I appreciate every day more than before but the fear can be disabling. I think what your doing for your friends is wonderful, you sound like a sweet person - keep smiling
Hugs
-
AmyD,
I, too, feel the same. I was dx'd with DCIS in my right breast in July. I had a unilateral simple mast. with immediate reconstruction. I finished my expansions for now and am waiting for my exchange and eventually augment my healthy breast. I feel guilty when I mention breast cancer to ladies who have had more aggressive forms (invasive) with what they have had to go through...chemo, rads,etc. when all I needed to do is follow up with Tamoxifin. I know there are many who have suffered more. When I went to see my onocologist (male) for the first time after my mast. he said my DCIS was really "nothing", just so small to even be anything...not really considered a cancer.. after all is only precancerous! All I could think of when he said this is...WHAT!!!! How dare you say that! How can YOU say that what I've been through is "nothing"!!!! My MX surgeon and PS are more sensitive and understanding....after all it was my surgeon who diagnosed me that did give me the option to be conservative with my tx or be more aggresssive with a mastectomy. She was very happy that I made the right decision and that it was the right decision!
I chose to only remove my DCIS breast...in the back of my mind I know I will always wonder if I made the right decision to remove just the one breast. I know women who chose to have a bilateral just for their peace of mind. I was assured that my other breast was healthy and with be monitored closely from now on.
I do have a great support system with friends and family esp. my wonderful, awesome husband!
I feel we all have a common bond once we are diagnosed with DCIS or the invasive form. This is a lifechanging experience!!!
God bless and many hugs and prayers!
-
I know how you feel too!
I took tamoxifen and had reconstruction afterwards and that caused me so much annoyance that I kind of forgot about cancer.
It takes a long time to adjust to a mastectomy for DCIS. Nowdays I don't think a mastectomy is such a big deal, but at the time it seemed very major. Having invasive cancer and dying is major, having a mastectomy for DCIS is not fun, but it's way better.
Keep giving yourself time - it will likely take 2-3 years before you're OK with all the junk that's come your way with this.
-
I agree with all here but here is another perspective. I feel bad-- and I had a lumpectomy , chemo and radiation--- I had a small invasive cancer--- no lymph nodes and clear margins--- excellent prognosis--- overall, a good experience if you have to have it.... I have friends who had dcis and mast--- I feel bad b/c I still have my breasts ---no one recommended a mast- they recommended against it and I agreed given my prognosis and low rate of possible recurrence... so yes, the chemo and radiation were hard, but my hair is back and there are no real obvious markers of bc for me--even my scar is invisible to me since it is under my breast. I feel so fortunate some days- but then I think of my friends who had to lose their breast or breasts and I feel badly----
It affects everyone differently--- I guess the best we can do is support each other and live very healthy lives--just wanted you to know that even people with a different dx than dcis are conflicted.....
-
I wanted to add that just because a cancer is labled invasive does not mean it has spread or that one will die of it.....
-
momand2kids,
Completely agree. I think with DCIS, it's just that with a mastectomy, we usually don't get chemo or rads, and sometimes we feel bad knowing that our sisters are going through some difficult times that we aren't facing. But we still are dealing with fears and losses.
-
Hey Everyone-
This is just what I needed to read with my frame of mind right now and I thank you. I had DCIS removed through excisional and now have LCIS and taking Tamoxifin. My friend passed away 1 year ago of BC- I went to visit the cemetary today and it hit me harder than I thought. I'm re-thinking my Tamoxifin decision, maybe I should go with a double mastectomy to cut the re-currance chance. Does anyone think along those lines? I started the drug in June- no side effects at all. The DCIS was taken with clean margins and the surgeon feels very confident in this route I'm taking. Thanks for your input- always so appreciated.
Michele
-
I just wanted to thank Momand2kids for her perspective and helping those who are diagnosed with DCIS not to think they aren't dealing with anything monumental in their lives. I lost one breast to DCIS because it was scattered. The other side was preventative, and it was my choice. However, if I wasn't diagnosed with DCIS, I would still have two real breasts. There are many times I consider myself lucky. At other times, I look back at all the issues I had in reconstruction and realize that I had my downs too. Maybe not as bad as some people on this board, but there were some dark moments. Thank you again for letting DCIS women feel ok to think about what they went through and feel crappy about it at times. Hugs to you.
-
Hello,
I also have DCIS and have decided to have the bilateral procedure, as my family has a history of breast Cancer. I feel that performing this procedure will give me the best chance possible. There is no way to know what the future holds in store for any of us, but yuou have to do what is best for you. I know that after hearing the words you have cancer in your left breast, and then 1 week later hearing we think you may have cancer in your right is enough for me to say goodbye to the girls. I am 47 years old and will do whatever I need to do to ensure I have the best chance of beating this cancer. Just remeber that we are our own best advocates, so do what you need to do for yourself and do not worry what others say or might be thinking. You have to be able to live your life the best way you can.
My surgery is scheduled for November 3rd, and would like to know if you can tell me what to expect as far as the process and after the procedure. How long will it be unit I can move without hurting??? things like that. My nerves are taking over my mind these days, and I am the kind of person that handles things better when I know what to expect.
Thank you so much
-
tnickels,
I have a left mastectomy, so I can't speak for bilateral. However, I expected a lot more discomfort and limitation that I actually had. I had some soreness, particularly where the sentinal node was taken, but other than that, I got along with very little pain medication. My drain was taken out several days after surgery. It was a nuisance, but not painful. Overall, I was amazed at how good I felt. Honestly, the most important thing for me was heeding the whole healing process. I found that I truly needed the extra rest for 2-3 weeks (plus) after surgery. Sure, I started back at a routine, but I allowed extra time for rest. And it does takes some time to clear the anesthesia. As a RN, I knew that major surgery is a major ordeal for the body and the healing process takes a lot out of a person. I do know someone who had a bilateral mastectomy 2 weeks ago. She is doing great.
-
I didn't have my mastectomies at the same time, but I can tell you I was sooooo nervous, especially before my first surgery. I had never had anesthesia before and thought every bad thought. However, things went surprisingly well. There was little pain afterwards and I only took painkillers the first 36 hours. It was a bit uncomfortable and sore because of the sentinol node biopsy and it took some time to stretch out my arm. I was more comfortable sleeping partially sitting in a chair the first week. The drains were annoying, but doable. As the above post said, the worst part of it all was the sleepiness. It really took about a month until I got my full energy back. You will be fine. The waiting and thinking is worst than the real operation. If it was so bad, I wouldn't have gone in a second time for my preventative mastectomy, but I did!!!! Good luck. Keep busy as you can and if anything ask your doctor to prescribe a valium or something similiar to take the edge off the days leading up to surgery.
-
Tnickels-
I had my surgery (single MX) 9 weeks ago. The first 2-3 weeks were the hardest. Make sure you have good meds! Initially, I had a pain pump that was attached to my MX site and it truly helped. Ask your PS about this because I have found out though, through reading the other threads, that a pain pump (Q-pump) is not a common practice among some of the PS's. After the first week, they start the expansion process if you have a TE (tissue expander) placed. This can be done weekly or biweekly. I just finished my last expansion nearly 2 weeks ago. The pain lessons over time and a week ago is when I started feeling normal under the circumstances. I went back to work after 5 weeks..a little difficult because I am dental hygienist and my MX was done on my right side. Everyone's threshold for dealing with pain is different. Unfortunately I have more surgeries to come but I don't have that anxiety which is hard to avoid when one is diagnosed with this. It's only been this past week that I finally began feeling, actually, great!!! Now I am waiting to have the "exchange" done to my MX breast and eventually have my healthy breast augmented there after for symmetry.
I do know that ever since I found this website, it has helped me tremendously to deal with this. The only regret is that I did not find this sooner when I was first diagnosed in July. I joined this month. It would have answered a lot of questions of the unknown. There is also another thread called "Exchange City" on this site. It is an awesome thread with wonderful, wonderful ladies who can answer more as you go through this process. I highly recommend it!!!!
Much blessings to you and hope all goes well!
NAE
-
WOW.. Thank you all so much for the information. I know it will be difficult given I am doing both at the same time, but as we all know you have to do what is best for each of us. When I was first told I had cancer it was in my left breast, and that was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. Then for some reason they missed the lump in the right breast when they reviewed the mamo, and caught it almost 2 weeks after via the MRI. At that point I knew that I could not keep going through this. They scheduled me for an ultra sound guided core needle biopsy, but were unable to keep the ultra soumd over the area in order to find the tumor, so I was not able to get the biopsy. So now they will wait until the surgery to see if there is cancer, and if there is, they will have to go back via another surgery to have the sentinol node checked. I am not real happy about that, but I guess we can not conrol everything. Right now my focus is to have these girls taken off and pray the cancer has not spread to ther parts of my body.
I will have expanders placed at the time of surgery, so someday I will be able to reconstruct my breasts. I want to thank all of you that sent me a reply as the information really helped calm me down. My prays go out to all of you and your families.
-
Tnickels-
Things to remember....have meds, take stool softener, eat pitted prunes, and drink tons of water!!! HEE...hee...hee. Those heavy duty narc. drugs can cause us to get backed up...been there, done that 3 years ago with a hysterectomy....NOT fun!!!! Thus, thought I would give you a little more heads up on this recovery thing!!! You'll do fine!
Keep us informed of your progress!!!
Many hugs! NAE
-
Oh yes, that was horrendous, the "backing up" thing. I had my surgery last week on Wednesday and I only was able to "go" Sunday, after taking about 4 super-doses of laxative. It wasn't pleasant at all, on top of the tightness, pain and all the etc.'s to have the feeling that I'm going to explode.
-
NEDEEZA It seems like our PSs are very similar. I too had the pain pump and it was truely a lifesaver. I had my bilateral mastectomy 7 weeks ago and also received my first fill one week after surgery. I received my final fill 2 weeks ago and am now waiting 6 weeks until my exchange date. How long does your PS wait from final fill to exhange?
AMYD. I found the fills to be the hardest part. They were more painful and more difficult to recover from than the bilateral. I found the pain from the bilateral to be much better after about 7 days. But the fills were another story for me, so I would suggest that maybe fills should be done slower over a longer period of time to minimize pain. I was back at work after 2 weeks (as a teacher), but I wasn't able to drive yet. Good luck with your surgery.
-
Annie7216-
Wasn't the pain pump great!!! I thought I was doing pretty good and not sooo bad....until the pain pump ran out!!! OOCH! I took Vicodin for another week & then the pain subsided. I have an appt. Nov. 23 with my PS for a one month follow up to my last expansion. I am guessing that she will tell me more about when that exchange will be scheduled. Tentatively, they are trying to fit me in for a breast lift on my healthy breast for Nov. 24th first before the exchange. She wants to wait a while after the breast lift to do the exchange so this sounds like it is going to take some time...which is ok with me now that I have been feeling pretty darn good these days.
I did not have a problem with the fill until my last expansion. My PS gave me the option to go a little bigger....of course, I took it! What a mistake! It was the most painful 5 days I had since the expansion began. I went back to the PS & she removed 50cc's & it was like night & day!!! I am now at 450cc. I suppose our bodies can only take so much! I found my limit...that is certain!
Many hugs,
-
It's late and I am tired but I have not read all your answers. What I would suggest is that you most certainly follow up with an oncologist on a regular basis. You don't need to be seen constantly. I would bet once every 3 months at first, then every six months onto once a year.
Breast cancer is normally a very slow growing cancer until it hits the end where it is taking over your body. Most doctors say that the original tumor that is found is usually there for up to 10 years prior to finding it. Putting things in that light annual exams will be sufficient to monitor your cancer or lack thereof. Once you are dx with cancer you unfortunately always have cancer. The only way to prove you do not die of cancer is to die of something else. I'm not trying to make light of this but if your doctor feels no need to follow up ever again in life I would speek with another onc that would want to monitore you at least yearly.
Keep doing what you are doing, the women you are helping I am sure really appreciate your support. When you are dealing with chemo you appreciate any help you get no matter what. My suggestion to you is to stay your normal compassionate self, find an onc the works more along the guidelines that you are comfortable with. Never ever stop being you! You sound like a wonderful persona and a great friend!
-
I am so glad I found this forum - I too was diagnoised with DCIS in my left breast in August. I opted to have a bilateral mastectomy because I wanted to do whatever I could to minimize my risks for future occurances. I had my surgery on 10/8 and was able to have the one-step procedure where my PS put implants in during that time. My node biospy was negative as were my margine. I still am waiting to see the oncologist - could not get a new patient appt until 11/16. Thus far I'm healing well (don't want to jinx myself)
I went to a breast cancer support group about a week and 1/2 ago and I left feeling anxious, scared and all I felt was this is the begining of the end for me. I thought this group would be women like me and it was women who had cancer years ago that had come back and metasticised and they were on heave chemo and were so ill. I felt horrible. I too get scared for my family and my kids and worry what if?? I have to tell my self daily I am one of the lucky ones that it was caught so early and I have to work withmyself daily to be positive and not worry about every ache and pain and what if its a new cancer etc?
Its a work in progress and its comforting to see that there are others out there that are going thru the same feelings that I am.
-
Hi there:
You have had your surgery by now, how are you feeling? I can tell you that I am now exactly 4 weeks out from my bi lateral mastectomy with the immediate one step reconstruction with implants. I go back to work on 11/17 and today I'm painting some pots and birdcages and replanting some plants. I don't have all my flexibility back, but I can do alot including driving. I have a little area on my right breast that is slow healing. Don't let the PS take the drains out too soon. I did and had I know better I would have asked him to keep them in for a few more days as my right breast was still draining. By taking them out too early the fluid built up in my breast and caused a serome which I believ has caused this delayed healing area. I still have that tight pulling feeling in my chest area and upper ribs but I am getting used to this new normal. I am hopeful that in time it will lessen more and more. I always read the different posts and everybodys expereinces and they are all different. For me, so far I feel that I fortunate.
-
Hi Amy D,
I am recovering from Oct 20th bi mx with immediate reconstruction for DCIS. It was found in the left but I chose to have both breasts removed. I had two tumors in two quadrants of the left breast and the left breast was mostly filled with microcalcifications. My nodes were clear. I consider myself blessed that it was found early and that my immune system was able to fight off the cancer for as long as it did (ie the microcalcifications). Cancer is cancer and those of us that have been diagnosed are all given suggestions for a treatment plan that matches our type of cancer, age, stage, family history, etc. You should not feel guilty. Be thankful and pass on positive energy to your friends currently undergoing their treatment. hugs
-
Did you have reconstruction and if so how are things progressing. How is yoru chest feeling. I am 5 weeks out and am getting more movement back each day. Somtimes in the evenings I feel like what feels like charley hourses in my chest area. Just feels tight.
-
Hi Amy,
You don't say whether you or the other woman who had Mx also had reconstruction. I am having recon and I can say that the TE complicates recovery enormously thru spasms and pain and further surgeries.
To say that it's a breeze is not true for everyone.
-
HI I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER MAY 1ST AND WAS TESTED WITH THE BRACC ANALYSIS AND WAS POSITIVE. I HAD GRADE 2 IN SITU BREAST CANCER IN MY LEFT BREAST, BUT WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF THE POSITIVE CANCER GENE, I WOULD NEED A DOUBLE MASTECTOMY AND A HYSTERECTOMY BECAUSE THE CANCER WOULD RETURN IN MY OVARIES. I AM 56, BUT I HAD THE MOST WONDERFUL SURGEONS AND PLASTIC SURGEONS. I HAD MY DOUBLE MASTECTOMY JUNE 19TH AND I HAD EXPANDERS PUT INTO MY CHEST THE SAME TIME. SLOWLY OVER A FEW MONTHS THEY ADDED SALINE TO MY EXPANDERS AND ON SEPT. 22ND I HAD MY IMPLANTS PUT IN. NEEDLESS TO SAY I WAS EXCITED!!!!!! THEY LOOK GREAT AND I HAD MY HYSTERECTOMY A WEEK LATER. NOW IT IS THE MONTH OF NOV AND I AM DUE FOR MY NIPPLES AND AEOLA TO BE PUT ON. (NOT SURE WHERE THE SKIN WILL COME FROM) BUT I HAVE HAD AN AMAZING OUTCOME. I AM HAPPY I AM ALIVE AND WILL FEEL COMPLETE AFTER MY FINAL SURGERIES. ALL I CAN SAY IS BE POSITIVE AND YOU WILL FEEL JUST HAPPY. I AM THANKFUL FOR EVERY DAY GOD HAS GIVEN ME, AND I EVEN SAID TO THE DOCTOR, CANCER WAS THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME BECAUSE I CAN APPRECIATE LIFE AND THE LOVE AND FRIENDS THAT I HAVE. NEVER GIVE UP AND DO NOT GET DEPRESSED, BECAUSE EVERY LIVING MOMENT IS A BLESSING. GOOD LUCK AND I KNOW YOU WILL LIKE YOUR NEW BREASTS (I DID) KEEP IN TOUCH PATRICIA HASHEMIAN
-
I want to know if the tight feeling in the chest ever goes away?? With my implants I feel like there is these two foreign things sitting on my chest. They don't hurt but feel strange. I am only 5 weeks out so I may be way too early to really know what things will feel like a year down the road. Can anybody shed some light for me on their own experience with one step reconstruction after mastectomy??
Thanks
-
Amcadams- I too had a one step bi-lat to implants. I had some complications but that was 2 years ago. The foreign feelings do go away over time. I would suggest to all the ladies having a mastectomy to massage, massage, massage. This will help break up the scar tissue and aid with regaining your range of motion. I did mine in the shower once my body was warmed by the water. I have completed my reconstruction and all is good. Yoga also helps with the range of motion. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask or PM me. My dx was DCIS in two spots on the left with a suspicious spot on my right. My mom also had DCIS and I chose to not have to continue with additional bx and rads. Hugs to you all.
-
Hi ladies - this is my first post. I was diagnosed Oct. 29 with DCIS, but suspicious it has become invasive because of the way it feels. Two days ago the doctor told me the MRI showed the DCIS has spread almost to nipple. I went from a recommended lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy to what is now looking like a masectomy on one side. I am very slowly moving from the shock of diagnosis (plus it is my second cancer diganosis since August when I was told I have malignant melanoma - which seems to be under control for the time being) to where I need to be to gracefully accept whatever treatment is needed to be safe. I am not there yet. I am 44, happily married, and mom to a 3-1/2 year old. Masectomy feels so terrifying, so dramatic. I know that I will do what I have to but how do you get there mentally and emotionally? I am large breasted, and thin - if I have to have a left ms, should I do both so they look balanced? I do not have a strong hereditary propensity, and no suspected cancer (yet) in the right. I feel like I am being so shallow - I think I am just not ready to face the deeper issues yet. I will get there - but right now I am still adjusting to this new world. Thanks for any insight. I would love to hear from anyone who will share their experience or offer advice. I don't know where to begin here. Thanks.
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team