just turned 40 and found out dx of DCIS

Hi Badger,

I've been reading posts on this website, every spare moment, for the past 2 weeks.  I was diagnosed on March 10th, and was completely blindsided.  I turn 40 in June, and have never given breast cancer a thought.  Even after finding the lumps and having all the testing, I still wasn't worried.  I don't have any family history with any kind of cancer, let alone breast cancer, and I don't personally know anybody who has or had it.  Reading the discussions on this website have really helped me with the roller coaster.  I know exactly what you mean about wanting to wake up.

 I have signed up for a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction (DIEP) on Friday.  I thought I would feel a sense of relief to finally have a plan, but my initial reaction was nausea.  I'm coming to terms with it very slowly.  It does suck though! 

Sweetbadger,

I had grade 3 DCIS and microinvasion of IDC (found after the DCIS). Decided on RMX which I had March 29. The waiting is the worst. You found yours early and may have a simple solution. My written pathology is available tomorrow, but my surgeon thought I could avoid Chemo/Rads. That is a huge relief. She did take more nodes than I'd hoped, but if you have pure DCIS, highly likely your surgeon won't take any nodes, if that's the route you choose.

Research LOTS! There is much information you have to consider before making a decision. You are stage 0, so take your time and really, really research. Many good/intelligent threads here with links to studies and articles you may be interested in. You can go forward, but you can't go back once you've decided. I got 2 pathology opinions on my original slides from seperate places. They basically agreed. Ask lots of questions! There are things they don't explain, like lymphedema.

Blessings,

Hope all goes well.

Rianne

40 here too! 41 just around the corner. Had BMX on 2/25/11. Roller coaster ride is an understatement! But 1.5 months later I'm feeling more like my old self! Sorry for your journey! Our 40's are supposed to be the new 30's!!! Yeah right!!!

It stinks, but I believe something good often comes from something bad. Try to focus on the positive. I just looked at your stats and they are  same as mine! I had my BMX 2/25/11 and if there is one thing that surprises me is that even with just the expanders in I like how the new foobs look when I'm clothed! Think I'll be happy with the real foobs when I get them in a couple months! I promise you it's been less than 2 months but I feel good! Back to exercising, working, my family, congregation activities, lunch with my friends. It does get better! All the best to you!

I had my drains in for 2.5 weeks so I didn't feel great. Every PS is different but I got two out at 1.5 week and other 2 out at 2.5 week.  The drains are a pain and they make u feel tethered or leashed, plus for me any bra was uncomfortable(two trips to buy bras with tubes in and my Mom only to return to the surgical bra which I stayed in until the tubes came out). I was still taking my pain meds about every 4-6 hours at two weeks and I'm not much on taking meds. I took them b/c I needed it. In fact I recorded my pain med sch. in a notebook to keep it accurate! At 2 weeks one trip out(like to the MD) wore me out. Think it was the whole getting up, getting ready, getting there process! Plus, for me sleep was elusive so that added to my fatigue. I found the most comfy place on the couch d/t the back support... and lots of pillows. Please bear in mind that I had NEVER had surgery b4 in my life and therefore zilch experience with anesthesia! I even had 2 babies w/o an epidural! I'm a go-getter, used to being up and going and it was hard to "let-go" and let others do for me. I had to b/c there's also the limitation of arm movement/reaching up with the tubes in. Yeah, it was hard to shampoo the hair! So...don't wanna sugarcoat it, it wasn't easy. However, I did return to work at 5.5 weeks and I feel like my old self now! I just resigned myself to nap when I needed, I watched stuff on DVR(lots of Dr. Phil's and Deliver Me episodes), I read, and surfed on my little netbook on my couch until my tubes came out, the pain lessened and my scars healed! I will say that some PS take out the tubes sooner but my PS said, "Don't ask!" to have them out sooner. Getting outside and walking each day helped a lot too. I started slow but this helped mentally. Hope this helps and feel free to ask me any questions as this all is still very fresh in my mind!

Hi Sweetbadger, I am sorry to hear what you have to go through but it sounds like you already have made some great decisions. I too had DCIS diagnosed in Dec, and after 2 lumpectomies with close margins had a BMX with immediate recon on 3/30. It's 2 weeks today and I have to say I feel pretty good. Drains are out, one came out 9 days after, the other 11 days. I was taking short walks outside starting the day after I got home from the hospital. But now I go on probably 2 to 3 mile, somewhat hilly walks. Keeping up with the physical therapy exercises also help to make the TE's feel more comfortable. I am off pain meds, but do take extra strength Tylenol if I feel uncomfortable. I would plan on bringing some pain med with you if you are traveling. Also my friends bought me a dense foam wedge pillow from a store called Relax the Back. It really helped me to be comfortable in bed when I returned from the hospital. I hope this helps...take care and a big hug to you.

My surgery was at 8:30am on a Friday and I was discharged by noon the following day! Ur PS is right, don't want to stay in a hospital any longer than necessay. Much better to heal at home. Also, I bought some oversized men's shirts that button front. They will be most comfy. I wore with yoga pants to feel halfway cute! I love wearing more fitted shirts but I can't tell you how many I got "caught" in trying to look cute only to have my daughters or hubby have to help me wrestle out of them due to the fitted wasn't comfy, esp under the arms. Goes for bras too! Go to Walmart and get these Fruit of the Loom cheap front closure sports bras...2 for $10. They also have some lace cami type bras 3 for $10(same brand)that give support and are quite comfy after the tubes came out. I wouldn't waist $ on nice bras b/c as you get expanded you may grow out of a size! This is just stuff I woulda love knowing b4!!!

Hi Sweetbadger and Suz and amm42 take a look at this camisole it was a life saver... It holds your drain bulbs. I was also diagnosed after my 40th Birthday.... I had surgery in June and I just finished chemo in February I am feeling pretty good I know you all will get through this ... it is tough but we are strong !!!  

Product Description The Amoena 2105 Post-Surgery Mastectomy Camisole is designed to be used immediately after breast or any chest related surgery such as a mastectomy, lumpectomy, reconstruction or augmentation and now includes two fiberfill leisure forms. The Post-Surgery Camisole is an innovative post-surgery garment with added performance features providing security, a restored silhouette, comfort, and drainage management. Made of a soft cotton/Lycra fabric that provides a gentle hug to help hold the drainage tube and bulb in place, the camisole comes packaged with two fiberfill forms and the size of the forms can be adjusted by removing the polyester fill from the back opening until you are comfortable with the size. Also, if your range of motion is limited, the neckline of the 2105 Camisole extends to allow for a step-in entry. Equipped with smooth interior side seams to minimize irritation, the camisole also has removable drainage pouches making it also ideal for leisure wear after surgery or during radiation treatment. For use with Jackson-Pratt®, Hemovac® and other drainage management systems. The cotton pockets hold the #2106 Fiberfill Leisure Form (Two Included). Two drainage pouches included. Features: Fibers: 88% Cotton/12% Lycra Spandex (Exclusive of elastic or decoration) Manufacturer:Amoena Product: Post-Surgery Mastectomy Camisole Style Number: 2105 Available Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL, 2XL, 3XL, 4XL Available Colors: White, Nude, and BlackSizing Information:>  

Thanks for the info on the camisole.  I'll look into it.

Badger, you're in the right place. Lots of people to help you here. Please read Beesie's posts in DCIS--you'll learn a lot. I had Stage 0, Grade 3 with comedo necrosis two years ago. Had a lumpectomy and radiation and I'm doing fine. Good luck.

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