4 years cancer free

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dsj
dsj Member Posts: 277
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)


Today I had my fourth post-treatment mammogram for DCiS (lumpectomy, radiation, tamoxifen). I made a plea to myself that once I decided on a treatment plant, I wouldn't second-guess myself or look back. And I don't--except the week before annual mammogram.


Last night I couldn't get to sleep and went back and read my early entries. I am still in awe of how helpful and supportive everyone was. Especially Beesie.


Today, I got a completely negative reading of my mammogram from the radiologist. "See you next year." Four years ago I couldn't imagine cancer wouldn't be the central focus of my life. But I have left it behind. I still see an oncologist every six months, but he now seems more focused on my losing weight than he is on cancer.


I know next November, I will return to worrying, for a week or so. But other than that, I feel like my life was returned to me.


I know when I was in the midst of diagnosis and treatment, I couldn't 't imagine that fear of cancer wouldn't always be with me. But it did happen.


My story isn't unique (probably in the larger population of people diagnosed with DCIS it's the most common outcome). But I know people who are currently struggling with a diagnosis and treatment decisions have a hard time seeing past all that. I just wanted to say that for most of us with DCIS, the fear will end and real life will resume.

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  • Janet456
    Janet456 Member Posts: 507
    edited November 2013


    Great news - a lovely feeling indeed xx

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  • CTMOM1234
    CTMOM1234 Member Posts: 633
    edited November 2013


    Wonderful news, thank you for posting!

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited November 2013


    and good luck on the 5th year free as well!


    I am now almost 5 years free from DCIS and expect to end aromasin in Dec. But still get unnerved at the now yearly mamo.


    My rule is the day before, plan a spa day for your self to take your mind off of things...mani, pedi, massage, facial and hey, anything else that keeps your mind away from thinking of the test

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  • quinnofmn
    quinnofmn Member Posts: 64
    edited November 2013


    Yea, I know so well that mammogram anxiety.

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  • ballet12
    ballet12 Member Posts: 981
    edited November 2013


    DSJ, thank you for your posting and for your "shout-out" to Beesie, who has steadfastly supported all of us, year after year.


    So glad that you feel that cancer is not the main focus of your life, and that so far (fingers and toes crossed) you have being doing well.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited November 2013


    dsj, it's great to see you and I'm so glad to hear that you are doing well. It always feels good to walk out after a screening test with the "All clear!", doesn't it? I get such a euphoric feeling when I hear those words that it makes the bit of worrying in advance well worth it.


    And thank you (and ballet12 too!) for your very kind words. image

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