New to all this

Options
MariannaLaFrance
MariannaLaFrance Member Posts: 777
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I just did a needle biopsy yesterday, got a call today with DCIS, low grade (no details given). Appointment with the surgeon for Lumpectomy on Thursday.

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Mouse6
    Mouse6 Member Posts: 246
    edited January 2010

    I know you must be very nervous about your diagnosis. On the good side, you have caught it really, really early so that is definitely to your advantage! Grade 1 means that you have well differentiated cells. That means the cancer cells don't imitate your normal cells as much as a Grade 3 would. Makes it easier to identify and treat I believe. Your lumpectomy sounds like a good plan. Wishing you all the best!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MariannaLaFrance
    MariannaLaFrance Member Posts: 777
    edited January 2010

    Well, I just guessed at the grade level. My radiologist didn't tell me too many details, as I was too busy freaking out and crying for her to give me much more information. What does a lumpectomy do to your breast? Will I be misshapen? Do women who have DCIS opt for mastectomies? I can't believe I am here. I have 3 small children, breastfed, and have no family history of breast cancer.
    Thank you for your response, Mouse6.  What a crazy day this has been. I feel like someone is going to wake me up and tell me this is a bad, bad dream.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • 3monstmama
    3monstmama Member Posts: 1,447
    edited January 2010

    Hi MariannaHB,

    I certainly understand the freaking out part--its a hard phonecall to receive.  You will find lots of helpful information here. I was diagnoised with DCIS in November and am only having the lumpectomy next Monday, February 1.  Since my diagnoisis, I have spent a lot of time meeting with surgeons, plastic surgeons and oncologists and gathering information before I made a decision.  When it first happened, I thought I would just pick a surgeon, do surgery and move on.  Then I calmed down a bit and started thinking and reading.  I am now going with the second surgeon that I met and am feeling much better for having taken the time.

    I would suggest that you ask the surgeon if you can take time to research and make yourself well informed.  hang in there and don't feel bad about asking questions.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SJW1
    SJW1 Member Posts: 244
    edited January 2010

    MariannaHB,

    So sorry you are a DCIS patient too. Two years ago I was shocked to hear the same diagnosis. I chose to have surgery without radiation or tamoxifen after consulting with Dr. Michael Lagios because my DCIS was low grade. He is a world renowned DCIS expert and pathologist who also has a web site and a breast consultation service.

    For info and support, this web site is a great place to find both. If you have specific questions that I can help with, send me a private message and I will be happy to help in anyway I can.

    Sandie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kcshreve
    kcshreve Member Posts: 1,148
    edited January 2010

    Marianna,

    I know the shock you are feeling.  I got the same diagnosis in November and thought I was caught in a whirlpool.  For the first few weeks I could not access logic or my emotions. I spent that time reading and researching, as if doing it for some other person.  Then, it started to sink in and I had enough info to know how I needed to proceed.  There are basically two decisions with breast cancer - lumpectomy with (usually) 6 weeks of radiation, or mastectomy with an option of reconstruction.  I was shocked that these were the two basic decisions to be made.  I had the wrong assumption that there are tons of options.  Once I realized these two were it, then I could research better and compare my sub-options.  Thinking of you, Christine 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 666
    edited January 2010

    It is nerve racking & overwhelming!  I have been there & done that.  I had a needle biopsy, then a surgical biopsy/lumpectomy to which it confirmed my DCIS.  Mine was multifocal...in different quadrants of my breast.  I, myself, was given an option to do re-excision with radiation or do the simple mastectomy.  After researching, I decided to have the MX with immediate reconstruction.  I am recovering wonderfully...no problems...feeling very good that we caught this SO very early!  I ,too, have very young children & wanted to make sure I am around for them.  Treatments vary with everyone & choices are indivisual...I pray that you will find peace of mind with whatever decision you take.

    God bless!!

    NAE

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited January 2010

    Prayers for you Marianna.  You will find much comfort and support here.  Sounds like the next step is to find a surgeon or to interview more than 1 surgeon.  I was told, before i saw my surgeon, to not go looking at a lot of online info as I would'nt know what pertained to me and I might really scare myself.  For me, this was good info.  Once if met with my surgeon, then i could do research.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories