Just diagnosed - still reeling

Barbara, it sounds oxymoronic, but if you're going to have breast cancer - you definitely have the "right" kind! About 20% of women with breast cancer have a diagnosis of non-invasive ductal or lobular cancer (DCIS or LCIS). These are the only breast cancers considered truly curable. In fact, the 5-year survival rate for your cancer is about 99.8% - so you should feel VERY heartened! Best of luck with the rest of your tests, and with your mastectomy, and reconstruction. It's a challenging road, but you can do this. "Cancer is a rock in the path. Step over it - the path will still be there." And we'll be here, holding out our hands to help you take those steps. Good luck - PJH

Barbara, take a deep breath.  You'll be able to get through this just fine.  It sounds like you have great support from your family.  The surgery will be a challenge but probably not as bad as you might think.  Here's a link to an article on DCIS, and PJ's post today on reconstruction should be a big help.

Hi Barbara

 

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. We can all relate to how you are feeling right now as we have been there ourselves. Things will become calmer and clearer as you have time to process what you've been told.

 

Like you, I have the kind of mind that needs information, so I found that Google became a very good friend to me. It led me to this site and it has been a wonderful comfort to me since my own diagnosis last October. You will meet many who have been through the same experience and will know exactly how you are feeling as you make your way towards being well again. Let "If they can do it, so can I" become your mantra. It really helps.

 

Wishing you good luck and a return to good health

 

Sue

Barbara:

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis; just remember you CAN and WILL get through this. It sounds like you are already predisposed to researc and analysis, which is a good thing as you take responsibility for your treatment and long term self-care. The best thing I ever did was always take a good friend with me to appointments to take notes and ask questions I either forgot or were too discombobulated to ask. My network of friends played a major role in keeping me positive and focused on healing.  Good luck and blessings on your journey. Plan a special treat for yourself post-treatment!

 

I just had a mastectomy on my left side and reconstructive surgery has already begun.  The temporary implant is already there and I go today to have the first injection to help stretch the muscle today.  It is not bad at all just a tightness.  I start my chemo tomorrow so I know how you feel.  Any question just e-mail me at murtdoll@yahoo.com

My name is Peg and I am 34 years old. I got a positive biopsy reult today. I am not sure what to do as my husband is on a business trip and I am home alone wiht this news. I have an MRI on the 17th and this is all like a nightmare to me. How are you doing now? What si the next step for you? Peg.

Dont make the mistake that I did.  I looked up and read everything I could and it all scared the hell out of me.  Sometimes ignorance is bliss.  I was diagnosed with Grade 1 Stage 2 Invasive DCIS ER Receptor positive on the 17/10/2005.  I am scared every day.  I don't have a husband.  I am divorced.  My tumour was less than 2cm and there was no node involvement. I had a  lumpectomy and a sentinel node biopsy done.  7 Weeks of radiotherapy. Have swapped and changed from Aridimex to Tamoxifen and back to Aridimex.  Fight we can all beat this monster.  Good luck with everything, you'll be fine. Let other's help you and be kind to yourself.

dear barbara i too was diagnosed in 2000 and had a lumpectomy, radiation and chemo 2 and a half years of tamoxifen and 2 and a half yrs of arimidex, my lumpectomy was more than half my breast.  in october 2008 this same breast incision was bothering me and two docs said its only scar tissue, and i said  it hurts so i went to my previous surgeon and he did another biopsy and of course the same cancer came back in the exact same spot, so then a double mastectomy, with expanders put in at the same time.  i highly recommend this for you.  i should be having my surgery to exchange out the expanders for silicone implants soon.i have waited so lonfg because my mother has emphysema and uterine cancer  my sister is suffering from metastisized breast cancer which was a 3 year reoccurance..     Good luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!    trust your dr. and leave it in Gods hands

A little over 20 years ago, I had the same diagnosis.  I had what my surgeon called a quadrant masectomy, literally like a pie with a one quarter piece removed!  My doctor suggested waiting awhile to see if my breast filled in some after surgery before deciding about reconstruction.  I have trouble today remembering which breast was partially removed.  I think either times have changed or my surgeon and oncologist were less aggressive than some.  All I had afterwards was tamoxifen, and I was followed very closely with checks/tests with my oncologist at first every three months, then six months, and finally every year.  It took ten years before my doctors decided that once a year was sufficient.  Looking back and considering all my follow-up research over the years, I would have probably opted for more aggressive treatment knowing what I know today.  I feel extremely fortunate for my outcome, but I doubt I would ever suggest to anyone else a similar course of action.  I am very careful to continue with all my tests and never take anything for granted.  My thoughts and prayers are with you always!