Worry worry and more worry

I don’t think it ends, but it does lessen ... at least it did for me, but I didn’t worry as much as you seem to be. Have you tried the DCIS nomogram from Sloan-Kettering? You may find it reassuring ....

http://nomograms.mskcc.org/breast/DuctalCarcinomaI...

I have been able to get back to pure normal, even with a microinvasion (very non-aggressive markers). I also had clean but close margins, and that's why I elected to have rads. I did not, however, accept hormone-blockers because of the possible side-effects, and as my personal recurrence chance is thought to be low. If I had had young children, I would have tried them. I am amazed at how involved I was in every aspect of my cancer; even paid an outside expert pathologist (Dr. Michael Lagios, the world expert, you can Google him and his services; worth it), and still am now back to normal. I am not happy about possible long-term side-effects from rads, but had to conclude that the numbers showed me it was in my best interest to have rads, and I had to treat the cancer I had when I had it and not worry about later. I am comfortable with the no hormones, probably because of my low recurrence chance and also because exercise cuts recurrence by over 30%, according to my RO, who is very study-based. I'll take that. I do not like that I am at increased odds of getting another BC as opposed to women who have never had one, but also get that as one gets older, it's always something. I'm good. I think you will be, too. There IS a way to ball-park predict your personal recurrence chance. Ask your MO, very specifically, and there are also methods on-line (CancerMath, etc.). Most, VERY most, of we women, and especially you, with no micro, will be just fine. It is just a question of getting past the present situation, treatments, etc., and going on. No head in the sand, but it's true. I worry more now that my blood pressure is increasing from stress (from other things) than I worry about breast cancer, and I am a very intelligent woman. Just saying.

kkubsky,

I see u are from Connecticut! What county? I'm in litchfield county.

There is worry- not sure that your choice of treatment, borders or any other prediction decreases that but like others say it lessens creeping back up when follow ups are scheduled. I can't forget about it- little daily reminder in evening w lymph edema massage but even that no big deal. Today is my birthday exactly two years from first surgery I'm grateful and not worried today-that's good enough for me-you'll get there- give it time.