Newbie - in limbo and scared

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Kisses2014
Kisses2014 Member Posts: 4
edited November 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hello,

I was told last week that I have 8cm DCIS and advised team recommend mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy. My surgeon says if it isn't invasive no further treatment will be needed but keeps telling me they won't know anything for sure until after surgery and all pathology reports are back (2/3 wks post surgery). 

My surgery is planned for mid December and though I have to go back to hospital for blood tests etc. I just feel in limbo. One minute I feel relieved that it appears to have been found early and the next I'm terrified they will find something much worse when they operate.

Is it more likely to find it is or isn't invasive following surgery? 

I continue to work to keep normality of sorts and some days can convince myself I'm perfectly well and forget about the forthcoming surgery and other days I am very down and think the end is nigh! How ridiculous am I ?

Any advice for questions to ask my surgeon or how to get through the next few weeks greatfully received xx

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited November 2014

    Hi Kisses, welcome to Breastcancer.org. We hate that you have to be here for this reason, but glad you found this wonderful community for information and support!

    If you want, It may help you to take a look at the Breast Cancer 101 section from our main site (just click on the link). This page has been designed for those recently diagnosed, and to help you sort through all of the information on our site and find what is more relevant to you right now, like Your Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor.

    We hope this helps! Please, keep us posted on how you're doing.

    The Mods



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  • Bren58
    Bren58 Member Posts: 1,048
    edited November 2014

    Also check out the first post of this thread. Beesie did a great job making DCIS understandable for everyone.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/68/topic/790992

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  • Kisses2014
    Kisses2014 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2014

    Thanks for the links and advice, much appreciated xx

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited November 2014

    In answer to your question about how likely it is invasive cancer will be found, I believe the percentage is about 20% of all cases, but in the vast majority, the invasive amount is tiny - something called a "micro invasion" which doesn't usually have any effect on treatment and barely any on prognosis.

    Good luck!

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  • Kisses2014
    Kisses2014 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2014

    Thanks Annette, that's reassuring xx

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  • mrenee68
    mrenee68 Member Posts: 383
    edited November 2014

    Try and take it one day at a time, this to shall pass. I know easier said than done, but things will get better. Feel how ever you feel, cry if you need to, scream, be scared, just know that it has been caught early and yes that is a good thing, but still life changing. Take care of yourself maybe even treat yourself. ((Hugs))

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  • Lisamarie6864
    Lisamarie6864 Member Posts: 24
    edited November 2014

    Hi kisses2014,

    Gosh...I CAN say I know exactly how you feel!! The waiting is the worst! I found myself looking thru the threads trying to find someone that had my exact diagnosis so I would know my final outcome and results. I have learned we all have our unique dx. I try to live by a new motto "trust your journey" cuz that's all we can do sometimes. I was very fortunate and my final pathology did come back as pure DCIS with no invasive components. I have to admit I did and do have some "guilt" about that sometimes. Like " why did. I get so lucky"? It's all a crap shoot and I truly admire all of our strengths in this scary time. Just take one day at a time and whatever the final results come back as you will get through it ((hugs))

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  • MoJim
    MoJim Member Posts: 34
    edited November 2014

    Hi Kisses! I'm in the same "boat" as you.  Diagnosed less than a month ago & my surgery is this coming Wed., Nov. 19. "Cancer" was not a new word to me as my husband has 4!  It actually makes me more angry than "afraid" that we, as a couple, have been given one more hurdle to jump.  I have questions on the wire insertion & am going to start a new thread on that.  I'm sure we'll continue to see each other on here & I'll share my experiences w/ you! 

    Maureen

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  • Kisses2014
    Kisses2014 Member Posts: 4
    edited November 2014

    Thank-you all so much for your replies.  Lisamarie I'm delighted at your outcome, Maureen you will be in my prayers for 19th, so sorry to hear about your husband as well, yes please keep me updated.

    I am seeing my surgeon tomorrow and have a long list of questions for him.  I have decided on reconstruction at the same time as the mastectomy - may as well do both at the same time.

    You have all given me good advice and you're also welcome to give me a kick up the backside to stop me descending into self pity - I have no business being there!

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