Best Of
High Grade DCIS
Hello all, fortunately after listening to a podcast this morning, I have found this site, thank goodness!
Due to having dense breast tissue, I believe my DCIS has been missed previously, only MPO, but with my nipple showing signs of inversion from February 2023, and sporadic nipple leakage since then, I've had mammograms and ultrasound, plus saw a specialist in April 2024 but no diagnosis, no sign of a problem, until November 24. Ultrasound found a lump behind my nipple, however MRI has found a 7cm x 3 cm x 2 cm mass! What was to be a small lumpectomy is now going to be a Mastectomy, and I am in shock.
I've had 4 biopsies now and all show DCIS, will have lymph nodes biopsied at time of surgery to check I'm clear, which I'm hoping for.
I was originally under Dr Chris Pyke in Brisbane but he is retiring, and has referred me to Dr Emma Clarkson, at Mater, has anyone experienced her before?
I'm not having another consultation until Jan 6th, and am feeling that I've had this diagnosis and been left to deal with it without any advice of communication, is this usual? I suppose that's why I'm here, I am looking for support. I've just been told I'm to lose a breast, and my GP actually said, you didn't have breasts before you were 11, you'll get used to not having them!! WTF!! I said to her, I have had my breasts for 45 years, I'd rather keep them! I want to scream!!
Thanks for listening, I do understand there are so many in a worse position than me, I really do. I appreciate you being here and sharing your stories, advice and ears. Xx. Paula
Due to having dense breast tissue, I believe my DCIS has been missed previously, only MPO, but with my nipple showing signs of inversion from February 2023, and sporadic nipple leakage since then, I've had mammograms and ultrasound, plus saw a specialist in April 2024 but no diagnosis, no sign of a problem, until November 24. Ultrasound found a lump behind my nipple, however MRI has found a 7cm x 3 cm x 2 cm mass! What was to be a small lumpectomy is now going to be a Mastectomy, and I am in shock.
I've had 4 biopsies now and all show DCIS, will have lymph nodes biopsied at time of surgery to check I'm clear, which I'm hoping for.
I was originally under Dr Chris Pyke in Brisbane but he is retiring, and has referred me to Dr Emma Clarkson, at Mater, has anyone experienced her before?
I'm not having another consultation until Jan 6th, and am feeling that I've had this diagnosis and been left to deal with it without any advice of communication, is this usual? I suppose that's why I'm here, I am looking for support. I've just been told I'm to lose a breast, and my GP actually said, you didn't have breasts before you were 11, you'll get used to not having them!! WTF!! I said to her, I have had my breasts for 45 years, I'd rather keep them! I want to scream!!
Thanks for listening, I do understand there are so many in a worse position than me, I really do. I appreciate you being here and sharing your stories, advice and ears. Xx. Paula
MrsPP
2
Re: High Grade DCIS
Hi Paula, calling the BCNA helpline may help, just to talk to someone. Your feelings are valid, and relevant. I've learnt we all have our own story and you don't have to face this period alone. I have found the BCNA so helpful with so many resources hand, but all you need sometimes is just someone to physically talk to. It's a scary journey that's for sure, we are here for you, I'm post unilateral mastectomy myself and still dealing with the realisation of losing a breast. It takes time, be gentle with yourself. Hope this helps a bit.
tina_m2
2
Re: Friday Update 20th December 2024 (BCNA Christmas Closure Details)
Hi @Mez_BCNA and all at BCNA thanks for everything this year , the highlight for me was the PBS decision on Enhertu for HER 2 low, as well as the “ making metastatic patients count” advocacy but the many amazing resources on this website continue to grow and are fantastic as is this online forum.
Keep up the good work.
And @arpie , you are the “ gold standard” when it comes to online contributors , thoughtful, compassionate, insightful and ( much appreciated) funny! Not to mention indefatigable.
There are many other great contributors including in the private groups and on that note I would like to make special mention of @wendy55 who sadly passed away earlier this year , she was also a great support to many in the Mets group and is very much missed.
Take care all and wishing all the best for the festive season and into 2025.
🌺
Keep up the good work.
And @arpie , you are the “ gold standard” when it comes to online contributors , thoughtful, compassionate, insightful and ( much appreciated) funny! Not to mention indefatigable.
There are many other great contributors including in the private groups and on that note I would like to make special mention of @wendy55 who sadly passed away earlier this year , she was also a great support to many in the Mets group and is very much missed.
Take care all and wishing all the best for the festive season and into 2025.
🌺
Re: Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh!
Hi to all the contributions above they really brightened up my night!
👏👏👏
👍👍👍
😊😊😊
👏👏👏
👍👍👍
😊😊😊
Re: Diagnosed stage3, grade3, her2 positive
I’m very glad chemo is done! Sadly I ended up getting an infection under one of my ‘chemo nails’ and landed myself in hospital for 6 days with surgery to have the nail removed which was a real shame because I was feeling pretty good and looking forward to a week off everything before the surgery I just had😅
which is something to keep in my mind. Keep your nails short and clean and use hardner. Some people paint theirs but I wanted to be able to see if there was a problem - and even then I missed catching this one!
During chemo I really focussed on one day at a time, walking, yoga and trying not to look too far ahead or read too much about anything to do with the cancer. I wfh a few hours a week and was lucky to have good flexibility to do so.
which is something to keep in my mind. Keep your nails short and clean and use hardner. Some people paint theirs but I wanted to be able to see if there was a problem - and even then I missed catching this one!
During chemo I really focussed on one day at a time, walking, yoga and trying not to look too far ahead or read too much about anything to do with the cancer. I wfh a few hours a week and was lucky to have good flexibility to do so.
Everyone’s experience is slightly different - a diary will help you so you can map out how you feel each round. Helps you to be prepared and give info to your team if you need some help. There’s lots they can do to help minimise any side effects you might get and they want you to get through with as little impact as it’s possible to have si never hesitate to ask for help with anything.
Chemo isnt fun but is absolutely doable - youve got this!
FeR
2
Diagnosed stage3, grade3, her2 positive
A wild trifecta but I am determined to beat this as I have a young son who depends on me. This has to be the scariest journey of my life and I’ve been through a handful.
Looking for fellow thrivers who have tips on handling chemotherapy. I start on the 27th of December and have 6 rounds before surgery. I hear protein is important and doing some sort of activity daily (short walk) to help no matter how tired we get.
Overall a lot of moments feel surreal, scary and lonely but also trying to remain present and positive.
Overall a lot of moments feel surreal, scary and lonely but also trying to remain present and positive.
J_Nelly
1