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purplejc5
purplejc5 Member Posts: 30
edited March 2019 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Hello everyone. I was just diagnosed on March 6th (4 days ago). I am in absolute shock and still trying to wrap my head around the diagnosis. I know that i have to stay positive, but at this point. I go for a second biopsy on the 15th and the surgeon the 19th.How did you all get in the right state of mind to "fight". I guess maybe i think that "back in the day" whenever anyone had CANCER it was so negative. I'm having anxiety about the next biopsy, the surgeons visit, the surgery, treatment but i think more that anything "will it come back?". My cancer is probably the best diagnosis that i could have but that is very little consolation at this moment. Help me gain some prospective. Thank you

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  • blah333
    blah333 Member Posts: 270
    edited March 2019

    It's hard to gain perspective. Cancer is a mindfuck. I had stage 0 like you and I still think any weird sensation could be cancer or have this lingering worry in the back of my mind. BUT -- I did feel a little better after my surgery. It is a degradation of life, even in the best scenario.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2019

    Hi Purplejc5-

    We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO, although we're so sorry for what brings you here. We completely understand the emotions you're experiencing right now - the first days and weeks following a diagnosis are difficult to process. The more information you get from the appointments you have coming up, the more in control you'll feel. But right now you're still trying to process this life-changing news, and that's ok! We're all here to support you in the coming days and weeks.

    The Mods

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  • MBPooch
    MBPooch Member Posts: 229
    edited March 2019

    purplejc5 - You're in the worse phase right now of not having all the details. Get the results of your second biopsy, see if you can get genetic testing done and an MRI to help aid in a surgery decision. Once you have a plan you will feel so much better!

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  • FrenchPorsche
    FrenchPorsche Member Posts: 75
    edited March 2019

    Hi. I know how you feel. I had my first set of results today (DCIS), but need further biopsies on other areas, so it will be another two weeks before the full situation is known. I don’t know how to be positive about it all, but will try to simply put one foot in front of the other for a while.

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2019

    FrenchPorsche,

    We're so very sorry to hear that it's been made official. But, we're still really glad you've found us! You'll get great support here, with wonderful advice and information.

    We are sending hugs and look forward to supporting you throughout your treatment journey!

    --The Mods

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  • rachelcarter35
    rachelcarter35 Member Posts: 368
    edited March 2019

    purplejc5: Yes being positive is helpful but not necessary. Let yourself feel ALL your feelings. I'm generally a positive happy person but I cry sometimes. Don't be too hard on yourself.

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  • alto
    alto Member Posts: 233
    edited March 2019

    I found a book called Uplift with advice from breast cancer survivors. I got some good advice, felt less alone, felt more hopeful, and realized I could do this

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  • Surfergirl66
    Surfergirl66 Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2019

    Yep, it was pretty surreal when I got my diagnosis and the waiting and testing period is the worst. So many facts, figures, what will happen, what might happen makes your head spin. Best piece of advice I got was to limit internet research to Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic and Cancer Asso. You MUST have an amazing surgeon, and breast care navigators help!! Take a deep breath, or twenty, and you can do this. Mine was 7 years ago. Lumpectomy, radiation, quit on tamoxifen, follow ups. Feel your feelings, but don't let fear take over, it wastes your energy. My two cents! Sending good kharma!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2019

    Dear Surfergirl66,

    Welcome to the BCO community. We are very grateful to you for taking some time to share your story. Our community benefits from the shared stories and experiences of others. This is especially true for those who are newly diagnosed. We hope that you will stay connected here and find other ways to lend and receive support. Let ask know if we can be of help.

    The Mods

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  • Surfergirl66
    Surfergirl66 Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2019

    thank you!


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  • alto
    alto Member Posts: 233
    edited March 2019

    Does your treatment center offer counseling as one of their services? If so, it's definitely something to take advantage of. Even if it's just one or two sessions where you can get your anxious feelings out, or get advice for what to do and what not to do ('yes' to walking and surfing Netflix for new shows, 'no' to googling bc stats).

    Also, as I headed toward surgery, my regular doctor gave me some Ativan, and it really helps you calm down (it's like having a glass or two of wine, at a time when you can't drink because you're heading into surgery - doh!). I took it in the evenings before bed on nights when my brain was racing, and it helped me sleep.

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  • FrenchPorsche
    FrenchPorsche Member Posts: 75
    edited March 2019

    @purplejc5 How did it go with your second biopsy and the meeting with your surgeon?

    I had my second biopsy today and it was horrific. So very sore now. I am due for results next Wednesday. I already know I have cancer so this will be either 'good news, it's not worse than we thought', or 'sorry, it is worse than we thought'.

    I hope yours was the former. :-)

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  • purplejc5
    purplejc5 Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2019

    I got the results on Tuesday from my second biopsy. Unfortunately it is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. Once again I was shocked. My radiologist said “these cells look different, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. I think it’s nothing “. She actually said that. So of course i was hoping. But it’s not the case. Not only do I have DCIS, I also have Invasive Cancer. I have a lumpectomy scheduled for April 4th. They will also do Sentinel lymph node testing. My surgeon doesn’t think that it has spread but I’m terrified. My head is spinning out of control. Even though I’m scheduled for a lumpectomy, I can also choose Mastectomy. I can’t decide

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  • Beaverntx
    Beaverntx Member Posts: 3,183
    edited March 2019

    purplejc, there are lots of us who had both DCIS and IDC, as I did. I had a lumpectomy followed by radiation and now taking Tamoxifen -- over a year out from initial diagnosis and doing well. This is all extremely stressful for you now, please know there can be brighter days ahead.

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  • purplejc5
    purplejc5 Member Posts: 30
    edited March 2019

    Please tell me your experiences with both the lumpectomy and radiation. It’s so much to take in

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