Hi Oaktree

So sorry you're going through this. It's just over a year since I was diagnosed. I had a wide local incision (lumpectomy) on 3rd January lat year followed by 15 sessions of radiotherapy over February/March. I had no lump but it was picked up on a mammogram and I was recalled for biopsies and further tests

I was told that DCIS is totally contained in the milk duct, is non invasive, not life threatening and totally treatable. I never lost sight of these facts throughout my treatment. There is a 98% survival rate after 10 years

My surgeon told me that after treatment I would be cured and they don't say that easily with cancer. I totally trusted my medical team at all times.

After my op I considered the cancer gone and the radiotherapy as my insurance that everything had been zapped.

I'm now on a patient led follow up programme. They don't contact me but if I have the slightest worry then they are only on the end of the phone. I also have the reassurance of annual mammograms for the next 5 years.

I kept a diary at the time. Just jotted down my feelings now and again. I came across it the other week and was surprised at just how much of it is now a distant memory.

Last July I ran the Race for Life just a couple of weeks short of my 70th birthday.

Do you know your treatment plan yet?

Irene70,

Thanks for the reply and your encouraging words. I have been told my options and this will be discussed further when I see the plastic surgeon. Do you mind me asking-was it your decision to have a lumpectomy vs mastectomy? Both options were discussed with me but my mind is in overdrive! Hopefully my next appt will make everything more clearer. It's a strange scenario isn't it? I was told I could have had this for years and it may never change, but how could you possibly live your life knowing what you know! 

Yes you will be feeling in turmoil right now and have lots of questions. I asked if a mastectomy would be better but they said absolutely not. Mine was a cluster about 1.5 cm so could be targeted. As I understand it if the calcifications are widespread in different areas of the breast then a mastectomy can be considered.

I was also told that although this is considered stage 0 cancer, and often called pre cancer, it's then graded after biopsy as low, medium and high. Low can be left as a wait and see option and you can live with it for years. Mine was high hence the op and radiotherapy.

I consider myself extremely lucky that mine was caught so early, no doubt down to the advancements in technology that picks up abnormalities so much earlier

Jot down any questions you might have for when you see the surgeon. Everyone is so supportive and you will be well looked after. 

There will probably be others who pop up on this forum to offer their support. It's a great forum to use.

If you've any other questions I'll be happy to help if I can

Let me know how you get on with the surgeon. Sending hugs - Irene x

I have been told there's no urgency but have no idea how I can be expected to deal with that! It's all very black and white to me and I need to get this sorted ASAP. 

Can't thank you enough for your replies. I'm in my early 40's and so thankful I found out about this now 'by accident'. 

Will let you know how I get on x

Hi there

I’m going tomorrow for a mastectomy as a result of DCIS. My surgeon suggested this as it’s quite a large area and I have quite a small chest. I am not having reconstruction and hopefully will not need further treatment. They will check 1 - 4 lymph nodes too. I’m 52 and this was picked up at my first mammogram in October. I’m a primary music teacher and had 10 nativities to play for before Christmas hence the delay.

S

Yes every case is treated differently. The surgeons are the experts and you have to be guided by them.

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow Scottie

Irene x

Good luck tomorrow! Will be thinking of you xxx

Hope everything went well today Scottie.

Wishing you a speedy recovery x

Hi there

i got on really well today. Had the sentinel node thing done - wee bit nippy but not much. I was anxious about the anaesthetic but was all fine. I opted to stay in overnight although I could have gone home and I’m so glad I did - it’s like a hotel, so restful. Every member of staff today has been wonderful. 

Will go home tomorrow and then back next Thursday for the pathology results. 

Thanks for all your good wishes

Sheila xx

Hi Sheila,

I am so glad to hear that all went well today and, I am sure that you will be glad to have it all behind you now. You will probably feel a little more tender tomorrow, as your medication is reduced and your chest begins to heal. Do you intend to have any reconstruction?

I have had a lumpectomy 9 years ago and a double mastectomy 8 years ago. If I can be of any help, I am here most nights.

Hope that all goes well with your pathology results next Thursday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx