Just diagnosed DCIS

Hi,

I know you are scared and this is a great place to come.  It seems like a million years ago that I found I had DCIS but it was really only about 4 weeks ago!  No lymph nodes is very good news.  I know everyone's treatment is different so I can only tell you mine.  I had my mri before my surgery.  I am now waiting on my path report from the lumpectomy.  I was told to expect 6 weeks of radiation.  I found I cried about once a day in the beginning but not so much anymore.  It is hard and you are young.  I thought I was too young and I'm 39!  Just take each day as it comes and come here to ask questions and read.  Read as much as you can.  Knowledge helps give you some sense of control.  There are others on here who can tell you about microinvasion (Beesie is amazing).  I know it's scary but you will get there.  Having a wedding in July will be so wonderful!  Hope this helps a little.

Hello, I am new to this site and find it very informative.  I am 41 years old and a mother of 3.  I just was diagnosed with DCIS. I had a sterotactic biopsy done last week and just received my report from the pathologist. There were 2 clusters biopsied both in the lower quadrant anterior and posterior. The diagnosis were high grade (3) with comedo nercosis( also noted as solid?). I am scheduled for am MRI next week. I have noticed in the last mammogram that I had there were also many scattered calcifications noted. These were not biopsied and I am very concerned that they may also be DCIS. Breast cancer is very hereditary in my family. My mother, aunt and grandmother all had masectomys. I see the breast surgeon the 2nd week in February. Will I have a choice on what procedure I choose to have done? Masectomy or lumpectomy? In my opinion I would just rather have the masectomy and know that this cannot recur.

I was 47 when I was diagnosed, so some of our issues are different, but I was in the process of a divorce and had just started dating a gentleman.  Its a shock to the system, but you will get through this.  I had a lumpectomy and radiation and am just finishing up my five years on tamoxifen.  You will want to ask for copies of your pathology reports.  I keep a file with all of my test results, mammo films, MRI disks etc.

You are in the early stages of the process right now, and I think it is the worst time with all of the testing, waiting for test results, and waiting to know your treatment plan.  It does get better.  Knowledge is power and it is so much better to educate yourself so that you can make informed decisions with your medical team.  The MRI may give additional information to help you decide. If chemo is mentioned because of the micro-invasion, get a consult with a fertility specialist before any treatment begins.  My daughter's 30 year old friend was diagnosed last year and had eggs harvested before any treatment began.  As a young woman, you have different choices to make than I did.  There are sites available that are specific to your age group, and it will help to share your experiences.

I was afraid when I was first diagnosed and genuinely tried to chase my boyfriend off as I felt like "damaged goods", a cancer diagnosis was not something either of us had signed up for.  He refused to be chased off and was with me every step of the way through treatment.  We were married the year after and he has been the most wonderful co-survivor.  I can't imagine going through life without his hand to hold.  So continue planning that wedding and look forward to your future.  God bless you.