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Debsauga
Debsauga Member Posts: 15
edited July 2019 in Just Diagnosed

Hello everyone,

I've been lurking here since my first meeting with the Breast Surgeon a few weeks ago. I just had a bad feeling about the experience. She told me two areas needed biopsies - US and Stereostatic . Sure enough, both pathology results came back positive for DCIS, intermediate grade.

I have had moments of panic and have been very ineffective at work. I think the only thing that has kept me sane is this place, it's comforting to know that I am not alone in this.

There is no history of cancer in my maternal or paternal family, I am 44 years old and I already had one cancer scare 6 years ago. A Thyroid cancer found in a multi-nodular goiter, removed with all clear margins and I had no radiation. My husband is scared although he doesn't say much. The only reason I started annual mammograms and ultrasounds was to monitor a 1cm fibroadenoma found a few years ago.

My surgeon recommends a Lumpectomy plus radiation but she didn't explain why and wanted me to make a decision immediately. I asked for a week to decide and in the meantime I saw my PCP who also agreed with a Lumpy. We see her again tomorrow.

I would rather take the whole breast out but maybe I am overreacting... I'm a 34B, so small boobs and I'm concerned about the aesthetic outcome of lumpies in two sites and removal of a fibroadenoma.

My colleague died of BC within 18 months of diagnosis, I still can't wrap my head around it and remember the day she told me of her diagnosis. Her PCP dismissed her concerns for 3 months before starting tests, unfortunately the cancer was aggressive and all the drugs didn't work.She was treated at Princess Margaret Hospital,one of the best Toronto has to offer and she didn't make it. She was in her 40's and had a 7 year old daughter!

On the other hand, my friend's mum is a 30 year survivor and she was diagnosed and treated in a country with no healthcare system and highest levels of poverty. She has lived to see all her 6 children get married with many grandkids.

I have read many stories here and its starting to sink in that no matter how much control I'd like to have, there is no way to have any and there are no guarantees with BC. Its really terrifying...

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  • moth
    moth Member Posts: 4,800
    edited May 2019

    Hi Debsauga - the good news is that with early stage cancer odds are in your favour (& DCIS Is very very early stage) The bad news is that a still large chunk of people find themselves on the wrong side of the odds and we're still not very good at predicting who will fall where and why. You just never know and somehow we all learn to cope with the unknown. FWIW, this time that you're in right now is one of the worst - once you actually decide what you're doing and start treatment, things feel better.

    I replied to your post on the Cdn page as well :)

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  • JulieSim
    JulieSim Member Posts: 94
    edited May 2019

    Debsauga,

    I have been diagnosed with extensive DCIS less than two months ago and had no choice but to go ahead with mastectomy (btw in Princess Margaret Hospital). If I had a choice and if only I could save my breast, I would never do mastectomy.. I know it's just my perspective, but I won't be comfortable doing an unnecessarily invasive procedure with more risks and longer recovery.. For exactly same reason, I wasn't considering BMX..

    I am a controlling personality and I always plan ahead. My surgeon was totally right telling me that we cannot plan much with cancer.

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited May 2019

    The good news is that your preliminary diagnosis is DCIS - and this means you have plenty of time to make your decisions. Your surgeon is out of line pushing you to decide quickly. DCIS is not a medical emergency, although it may feel like an emotional emergency!

    The opening post in the following thread from the DCIS forum might provide some helpful information and ease your mind about your diagnosis (as much as that's possible!):

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

    The thing to understand is that DCIS is the very earliest stage of breast cancer, and your situation is completely different from someone who is diagnosed with an aggressive invasive cancer. You are not your colleague, and your diagnosis is worlds apart.


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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited May 2019

    I agree with Beesie. You do have a choice. My SIL had DCIS and chose a lumpectomy. So did I and I had IDC Stage 1, Grade 1. My BS was all about saving the breast. I’m glad I did. Not everyone has a choice but in your case I too am surprised he recommended a MX. Btw the survival rates are the same for a MX and lumpectomy. Hard to believe but true.

    Diane

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  • Debsauga
    Debsauga Member Posts: 15
    edited May 2019

    I'm swinging between freaking out and being numb, planning every detail is a coping mechanism. It looks like I'm going to have to let go of my need to plan every detail in advance and just breathe.

    I have an appointment today and will see how that goes.

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  • Debsauga
    Debsauga Member Posts: 15
    edited July 2019

    Just an update to my initial post.

    I had the lumpectomy on June 17th. It was a PITA of a day. Although I had prior surgeries, I had never had day surgery before. It was so hard to wake up from the anesthesia and I was so weak. The nurses just wanted me to get out of there, thankfully my spouse was there to hear all the post surgery care instructions and he took me home. I had terrible nausea that evening, but by the end of the next day I was up and about.

    I only took the good drugs once and stopped Tynelol by Day 3. Recovery has been okay overall, except my shoulder is still weak. I found out pretty quickly how important the stretching exercises are, truly makes a difference.

    Got my final pathology back yesterday and Grade 3 DCIS, LCIS was found, no invasive cancer but expansive necrosis and didn't get clean anterior and medial margins. DCIS was significantly more extensive - 4cm instead of 1cm saw on imaging. Many more decisions to make ahead, but I'm taking it a day at a time.


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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited July 2019

    Deb - it’s a tough process to go through to be sure. We truly feel your pain. I had a lumpectomy too. I had to have a second surgery to even the margins. I was blessed I didn’t have a lot of pain afterwards and my spouse went with me too. The hospital was fine and the nurses were for the most part caring.

    My Path report showed a micromet in my SN. Both my BS and I were stunned to say the least. Luckily my MO ordered the Oncotype test and since my score came back low@11 I dodged chemo.

    It’s difficult to plan because there are so many factors that contribute to your particular breast cancer. Have faith and trust in your medical team. If you do you will get through this just as we have.

    It’s not the death sentence but it’s no walk in the park either. Rely on support from your spouse and family and friends. Accept their help you need and deserve it.

    You will be okay. We are living proof of that. Btw I’m 8 years out next month.

    Keep the faith and keep us posted. We are here to help in any way we can.

    Diane

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  • msphil
    msphil Member Posts: 1,536
    edited July 2019

    hello sweetie I too had no history of breast cancer in family I was 42 and making wedding plans for our 2nd marriages when found lump I had my cry with fiance at the time and mom and best friend then I decided to fight. My faith got me thru with lots of HOPE I started saying "cancer you have to leave my body". Positive thoughts like I Will get thru this I have more to do in this world. My purpose was revealed I am now this yr a 25 yr Survivor got married and here to INSPIRE others like yourself. Hang in there HOPE. msphil idc stage2 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo adriamycin cytoxin 5fu. before a d after surgery Lmast went for instead of lumpectomy.got married then 7wks rads 5yrs on Tamoxifen.

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