Thought I'd be one of the 80%
So glad I found BREASTCANCER.ORG today. One of the few times reading things online has actually made me feel better and calmer. I had my annual mammogram Nov 18. Got a call a couple days later that they wanted to take a closer look at my right breast. Had magnified mammogram Nov 25. Based on that they said they wanted to biopsy 2 sites on Dec. 6th. Just got the call this morning that both sites are (+) for DCIS. I have a surgical consult scheduled for Dec 16th. I'm 46 years old with 2 wonderful children 16 & 18. My husband is away right now working in SC. We live near Pittsburgh PA. I haven't even been able to get ahold of him by phone to give him the biopsy results. Really hoping he'll be back in time to go to the surgical consult with me. I am not looking forward to breaking the news to him and then our kids, my mom, my brothers, etc...especially right before Christmas. But again, so glad that I found this website after a good cry. From what I read, I am now not as fearful about my diagnosis. Thanks for listening! Fran
Comments
-
FrannyM424,
I am sorry for your news but glad you found this site. There are a ton of great women here and they made my surgery much easier. You will fell better once you have a treatment plan. One word of advice. Stay off of the internet there is a lot of mis information there . This is the best place to come for any questions you may have . Between all of us on this site you can find all of the answers you may need , plus a place to vent, cry or SCREAM !!! let us know how we can help !! -
FrannyM424,
Sorry about your news, lots of women on this site to comfort you. Beesie is our "girl" for DCIS. She has a wealth of knowledge and has great posting under the DCIS forum. Good Luck
Jo -
Hi Fran - I am very sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed, but very glad that you have found this site. Any diagnosis of cancer is incredibly scary - we all understand how those words make us feel. At the same time, I am very happy that what they have found is DCIS (sounds strange I know to be happy for someone who's just received a diagnosis). It's just that it's VERY treatable. You might want to go to the DCIS threads and look for posts from beesie - she is a veritable fount of knowledge and you'll go into your appointment with a good background of info. Again, very sorry that you have a reason to be here, but glad that you found here. -
Fran I'm so sorry about the diagnosis but very grateful that you were tested and diagnosed so quickly! The Pittsburgh area has some excellent doctors and hospitals, you should have a variety of top choices to select from for your care. The DCIS section on this board is wonderful, it has great information and lots of women who have walked this path ahead of you.
My personal opinion: I think that this Christmas your family will 'feel' the season more deeply due to your diagnosis, it will remind everyone just how precious life and family really are. We always worry about the negative effects but forget about the positive, these times can bring a family together tighter than ever. They can help us express our deeper thoughts and feelings, and really show our love in ways that we may have been too embarrassed to do so before diagnosis.
Best of luck to you, remember to breathe and let others help you
Hugs~Sheila -
So very sorry hon. I was right where you are last January. It really will get better once the treatment plan is in place. Until then, hang in there and read (on BCO, not the internet) about DCIS and all that entails and I think it will actually make you feel better instead of worse since it is the "best of the worst" in terms of a BC diagnosis. Hugs! -
Franny, I'm sorry that you've been diagnosed. Come on down and visit us in the DCIS Forum - what you'll find is that DCIS is a bit different than invasive cancer and therefore what's important in the pathology and what tests you may need, etc. might be different as well.
Here is a thread in the DCIS forum to get you started: A layperson's guide to DCIS
And the bc.org section on DCIS is another good place to get information: DCIS — Ductal Carcinoma In Situ -
Franny, so sorry you are coping with this shocking news, especially while your husband is away.
-
Fran...cancer sucks...I most likely would never be bold enough to blurt that out, but my cancer center has that as their mantra....good luck with your surgery & treatment.. -
The Grinch Stole my Christmas: yep I had a mammogram in late July 2013. Totally stunned 10 weeks later to feel a lump.///Diagnosed with cancer and am facing mastectomy this week...Still do not understand how a 1 cm lump does not show up on mammogram..Am reading trying to learn from others. Carolyn -
car2tenn, I have lobular cancer with lots of positive nodes & focal extradonal extension...mammo did not pick it up...probably for years..5 months later I am still in shock. Mammograms are not the diagnostic wonder that we think they are..They miss a lot of cancer, especially lobular. Good luck with your surgery, keep posting, everyone here understands & is living the same scary nightmare. -
Hello Fran!
So glad you've found this site, and you've had contact with Beesie. As you have seen, everyone here is very supportive.
I was right where you are this time last year, just diagnosed and pretty scared and bewildered. I can't stress enough how important this site is for both support and information. Beesie;s information on DCIS will give you an understanding of the Stage0 BC that you probably couldn't find anywhere else. I actually printed it out and gave it to my friends and Family so that they had the right information and weren't googling, It turned out to be a great idea because we were all on the "same page", so to speak!
We all know how you're feeling right now, but it does get much easier when you have a plan in place. Please come here often, it's a great place to get advice and support. I have found that no one really understands, or "gets" this, quite like those who have walked the path! -
Mammograms are only 85 percent correct. Mammograms missed both my cancers; I found the lumps myself. That's why I am always telling everyone to check themselves on a monthly basis.
-
Hi, Frannym424 - I hope you are getting your head around this and hope you have been able to reach your family, especially your husband. It must have been hard to hear those words without him close by. Do you have a plan for treatment yet? Take it all one day at a time, and give yourself a break from thinking about it when you can. My daughter was a great distraction for me, and it felt good to take some time off from letting my thoughts drift to those scary places. I hope the holiday will be a time to draw close to your loved ones and that you find a lot of strength there. -
Franny, I see your surgery consult is tomorrow. Good luck with that meeting. -
Thank you so very much to all for your kind and thoughtful responses. Hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. We actually did!And I was not sure that would be possible. I'm scheduled for a double lumpectomy on the right breast Jan 28th. It was hard getting things scheduled during the holidays. And didn't help that I've been having some cardiac issues since last Spring. Had to wear a holter monitor twice. Looks like just freq benign PVCs but feels like a fish flopping around in my chest most of the time. Anyway, I have to get a stress echocardiogram in addition to the usual EKG and lab work required before surgery. REALLY hoping the stress echo is normal so I can get the ball rolling on this DCIS treatment! Looks like I'm looking at the double lumpectomy followed by radiation and tamoxifin for 5 years. Has anyone else had a double lumpectomy on the same breast? Wondering how deformed I should expect that breast to be afterwards? And what if they don't get clear margins and have to go back in to remove more tissue? My concern is that if I do radiation I won't be a candidate for any type of breast reconstruction to make my breast look normal again. Thanks again ladies for your kindness, wisdom and support! Franny
-
Franny, I am very happy with the result of my two lumpectomies in the same breast. The IDC was 1.1 cm in the upper right quadrant, not far from my nipple. All margins were 9mm or greater. Another lesion at about 6:00 was all benign: ADH, ALH, sclerosing adenosis, papilloma, and a couple of other things. I think it was over 2 cm, but cannot find the numbers just now. Again, all margins were 9mm or greater. I am only somewhere between a B and a C cup, but my breast looks absolutely fine from the front. From the side, the underneath looks a bit flattened, but the top looks fine. Had it been only the one IDC lumpectomy, I don't think anyone could notice anything except a now faded line with a very slight indentation. I was very happy, by the way, to find that scar tissue replaced some of the lost tissue, but did make a couple of appointments with a lymphedema therapist, who showed my how to keep scar tissue free and maleable.
To tell the truth, I had expected large divots and followup plastic surgery to repair an unsightly result, but I'm quite content with the new "me."
Of course, everybody's different, and you might be less happy with your result, so please do be certain to meet with a plastic surgeon (as I did) before your surgery, so s/he can address your questions about radiation and reconstruction.
-
Hi Ladies, Had my breast surgery yesterday. Did not realize that placing the wires beforehand was going to be much worse than the actual lumpectomy surgery itself. I was expecting only 2 wires to the 2 clips left in my breast after the biopsy 12/6 but they also placed a 3rd wire between the 2 clips to tell the surgeon how high up to remove the tissue. Is this normal? My breast surgeon said there was a 50/50 chance that she could get all of the microcalcifications. Now the hard part is waiting until Monday to get my final pathology reports and see if she was able to get clear margins. She did mention if they have to go back in that I might want to consider a mastectomy.
-
FrannyM424 - Those damn wires were awful! I really could have done quite nicely without that part, you know? Well, at least the lumpectomy is over, and maybe they were able to get it all! (Fingers crossed.) I know that it's a long time until Monday, but see if you can't find something to distract yourself - shopping, cleaning, lunch with friends; whatever you can do not to dwell on this The waiting is the worst part of all of this - I swear it's just cruel. But you're not going to do yourself any favors to stress too much about it. Just try to stay positive and if you need anything, we're always right here... (((Hugs)))
-
FrannyM,
I really cannot remember if there were 2 or 3 wires, I just know that was the most uncomfortable part. Did you have to have a mammogram then, with the wires? I did.
Do you have drains? Hoping they were able to get what they needed & your done.
Keep us posted.....
-
Thank you AZ85048 & Holeinone. Met with breast surgeon this am. I did not get clear margins after 1st lumpectomy so they are going back in tomorrow morning for re-excision lumpectomy. Guess one margin was actually (+) and the others were too narrow (<1mm.) They promised only one wire this time instead of 3 but we'll see. (Holeinone: yes mammogram used to place wires and no drains.) Please send positive vibes my way for clear margins this time. Part of me just feels like I'm delaying the inevitable since surgeon says my DCIS is multi-focal and diffuse. Surgeon and radiologist seem concerned that they won't be able to get it all on 2nd attempt but they're willing to try. This just sucks. I was off last week from work and I'm now looking at 2 more weeks off. I'm a physical therapist and can't work with a 10lb. lifting restriction. If I need mastectomy, that will be 6 more weeks off. All unpaid. At least with FMLA I won't lose my job. All the other wonderful things we have to worry about along with the breast cancer, huh?!?
-
FrannyM424 - Look, you've got enough on your plate just worrying about you right now, so try not to stress too much about the rest until you know a little more. Try to take things one step at a time if you can, so you don't get overwhelmed. You need to give your BS a fighting chance to work his magic tomorrow and get those clean margins! Please let us know how it goes... Sending you a big hug and a bigger prayer!
-
Franny, will for sure send positive vibes your way. It's hard not to worry about things like missing work and finances, etc. but right now the ONLY thing that is important is you - your health. Sometimes you just have to let tomorrow take care of tomorrow. (((hugs)))
-
Thanks Ladies, trying to hang in there.
Still have 2 more days to wait to meet with breast surgeon to get path results after re-excision lumpectomy.
Since Saturday, I hear sloshing sound of fluid in my right breast whenever I move around. Called MD & they called it a seroma. Fluid filling the cavities left behind after surgeries. Said should be fine but they'll drain with a needle if it gets too full & painful. Anyone else have this issue after lumpectomies?
-
FrannyM424 - So good to hear from you! If possible, can you take someone with you to your BS appointment on Thursday? It always helps to have another set of ears in the room. We're all waiting right here with you... so let us know how it goes.
-
Yes, I feel your pain. I, too, had to have 2 lumpectomies for DCIS because the first one did not get clear margins. I also had a great deal of fluid that, over about 6 weeks or so, drained naturally. I am now 6 weeks out of 2nd surgery and getting ready to start radiation. It has been quite the trip and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the surgeon got it ALL!!! Please keep us posted. This forum has helped me tremendously, both to connect with kindred spirits and to learn!
-
Hi Franny. I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. How were the results from your most recent surgery? I also live in Pittsburgh. I am a BRCA 2 previvor. I just had a double mastectomy with direct to implant. I have been very pleased with the results. Good luck to you.
Gloria
-
Hi Franny,
I just want you to know I'm thinking of you and hoping you get good results at your appointment. I also have frequent PVC's which began last spring! Mine were diagnosed as benign by my PCP. But, since they are so unsettling, I went on to a Cardiologist who confirmed that are benign. Just for my peace of mind he had me wear a Holter Monitor. The monitor confirmed what he and my PCP diagnosed. Your description of the feeling of a fish flopping is just what it feels like to me. Evidently many or most people have PVC's, but only some actually feel them.
It made me somewhat nervous to be facing the anesthesia with my lumpectomy (twilight type), even though all doctors were unconcerned about the PVC's. And I did fine. (I even had a surprise hernia emergency surgery with general anesthesia while waiting for lumpectomy and did fine with that, too.) I've been inquisitive with my RO about the effects that the radiation will have on my heart, and he has shown me on the computer the blocks that are in place to prevent any damage.
Anyway, just know that you'll be on my mind tomorrow and I'll be hoping for great news!
-
Hey Franny -
I had to have a seroma drained after my UMX - It was a pretty easy deal - I didn't see what they pulled out but my SIL was and she said it was bright orange (not bloody, just orange). It's very strange what all we find out we have in our bodies. I hope your results tomorrow are big clear margins all around. Either way - take yourself out for a treat after your appointment; you deserve it.
-
FrannyM424 - Just wanted to stop by and check in on you. You only have to wait one more day (or less, depending when your appointment is). I'm sending you positive thoughts for clean margins and hoping for the best of news. Please know that we'll all be in your pocket tomorrow to help you through... Let us know when you can!
-
I had to have seromas needle-aspirated after reconstruction. It doesn't hurt much, but don't look! The orange fluid is lymph fluid.
Best wishes to all that are waiting for results!
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