just diagnosed - sad, concerned, emotional rollercoaster

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jules72
jules72 Member Posts: 31
edited June 2015 in Just Diagnosed

Hello all,

I'm 43 and got the call Thursday stating I have a low grade DCIS. That's all I know so far and I have an MRI scheduled for Tuesday followed by an appt. with a surgeon. The nurse I talked to told me this is 99% curable and to consider it a bump in the road. I wasn't expecting this to be cancer as I had a fibroidenoma 2 years ago and the radiologist was 95% confident this was benign, she said it didn't look like cancer but the tissue just looked "different". This is a palpable lump. So after joining this board and reading since Friday I'm now really worried. Mine presented as a lump versus microcalcifications. The ultrasound showed it being up to 4CM long but thin - like a hot dog shape. After reading so many stories of diagnosis change I'm fearing the MRI and surgery will tell me this is just the tip of the iceberg and that I really have more areas of higher grade invasive cancer. I have very dense tissue and have had above muscle implants for 15 years this area has been itchy for years but I assumed it was just scar tissue. Now I'm wondering if mammograms missed it all this time. Are mammogram and ultrasound really that bad versus MRI and surgery for accurate diagnosis? I fear waking up with stage III all of the sudden and am not at all confident in my current diagnosis

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited June 2015

    Hi Jules!

    You won't know anything for sure until later so it's no use thinking about doomsday scenarios now. Until you find out otherwise, you have DCIS, which has a very good prognosis. And, what if you do wake up with Stage III? I was Stage IIIA and it wasn't the end of the world. I currently have no evidence of disease (NED), and live a full and active life.

    The full extent of my cancer was more apparent after the MRI scan, but some have found that mammograms and ultrasounds were more accurate. I guess it varies by BC patient.

    Best wishes to you and keep busy, busy, busy so you aren't so anxious and worried. Distractions are a good thing!

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  • jules72
    jules72 Member Posts: 31
    edited June 2015

    Thanks Elaine,

    I think I'm just extra emotional as I'm tired of medical issues right now. My mom (65) was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia last August and I spent 4 months in the hospital with her. My husband (45) just had spinal surgery two weeks ago and still need a lot of care himself. And I have two little boys who need me too along with a very demanding job. I had an early melanoma 10 years ago diagnosed 5 days after my first baby was born. I know so many others have it worse. I'm just feeling defeated. Keeping you all in my prayers.

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited June 2015

    Jules! You have had your hands full! I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom and your DH. Have you thought about getting some meds for anxiety and/or depression? I never thought I'd turn to meds, but I have a stash of Ativan for "emergencies" (e.g., the first day I stopped wearing my wig in the classroom), and I recently started taking Celexa (it's an SSRI) to cope with the side effects of Aromasin (hormonal therapy). As some BCO.org members say, "Better living through chemistry!"

    By the way, this message board is not a contest to determine who has suffered the most. Cancer hits everyone hard, regardless of stage. We all have our ups and down, and some of us (like you) have additional challenges. I'm also a working Mom, and I have twins with autism (who are going through puberty -- ugh). Praying for you and for all of our sisters.

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  • Susug
    Susug Member Posts: 193
    edited June 2015

    Jules, You have every right to feel sad and concerned. Everyone that first hears the C word has these feelings don't let anyone minimize how you feel. Everyone handles this differently. You will be in my thoughts. Please take care. Susu

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