My journey has begun!

Hello to all! I was diagnosed DCIS on 10/19 and met with surgeon on the 25th. Meeting with RO on 11/7. MRI scheduled for 11/8. I've also scheduled 2nd consult with my surgeon on the 27th (after the MRI results have been reviewed). I wanted a 2nd opportunity to speak with her regarding all results and the plan of action prior to having my surgery, which is scheduled for Nov 30th. The old "measure twice, cut once" philosophy that definitely seems to apply here. Current plan is lumpectomy with SNB followed by radiation. When I first received my biopsy results I had about 15 seconds where the floor dropped out from under me and then I said, "OK. What do I have to do and how soon can I do it?" The doctor thought I might need more time to absorb the info but I want to get this show on the road asap. I do best when I know all the info and can start working on getting a plan in place. It doesn't have to be the final plan, and can have adjustments along the way, but I like knowing in which direction I'm pointing my first step. Otherwise, I'll just fret too much and sleep too little. I have a list of questions and concerns to take with me to my 2nd surgeon consult. I will have had my radiologist consult and my MRI results then. If I'm still feeling confident after all that, it's on to surgery on the 30th.

My pathology report says: "Ductal carcinoma in situ with the following features"; Architectural pattern = Cribriform, Nuclear grade = Intermediate to High, Necrosis = Central Necrosis Present, Associated Calcifications = present, Invasive Carcinoma = Rare minute nests and single cells (less than 1 mm) consistent with focal microinvasion, Additional findings = Apocrine metaplasia. I'm also estrogen + 100% strong and progesterone + 25% moderate. I'm positive for both p63 and Myosin. I'm not sure of the implications of the p63 and myosin and I'm certainly not experienced in any of this but all in all, I'm thinking this all adds up to me being in a fairly decent starting place compared to where many others have found themselves. When I'm feeling less confident, I try to let those emotions work thru me, treat myself with a little extra TLC and focus on the positive.

One of my favorite sayings has always been, "To get on in life, Face Forward", hence my user name. My heartfelt wishes to all of you. I feel as if I've stumbled into the "Strongest Souls On Earth Group"!