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Off for surgery
Morning All, Really grateful to have found this forum. I was diagnosed last week, 6 Oct, and like many of you, came as a total shock. I have invasive ductal carcinoma, 95mm, ER+ PR+ HER2-. I’m have a double mastectomy on 3 Nov. I’ve been reading a lot but was after some tips for hospital and anything you found helpful to help recovery. Thank you all x126ViewsSign in to react to this post5CommentsRecently diagnosed
It's been a week!! Breast screen contacted me Tuesday with my biopsy results. Currently on holidays visiting a sick friend in Canberra so my conversation with Breast screen was in a video link. Had not expected to hear Breast Cancer. Dr advised lumpectomy and I now have an appointment with a breast surgeon back in my home town, Adelaide. Seeing her 26th Oct. I am approaching my 69th birthday and feel my girls have served me well. I am seriously considering double mastectomy, no reconstruction, going flat. Has anyone else had these thoughts? I have a maternal history of breast cancer and have been having breast screening every 12 month. I have always referred to my screenings as Russian Roulette....ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentDCIS diagnosis last friday
I found out Friday afternoon that I had DCIS, thought nothing of it till later in the evening when I was doing a bit of research . Totally overwhelmed & unsure what to do now, surgeon is having a team meeting Wednesday & then having a telehealth with me. AtM I’m trying to put together a few questions based on the pathology results I have. I want to be proactive & aggressive in confronting this disease. Any commments or ideas? I have had MRI, needle biopsy, ultrasounds, & then excision. This was all following my sister diagnosis of invasive lobular breast cancer recently. I had no symptoms prior & a negative mammogram last November .ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsNewly diagnosed
Hi all, I have received a diagnosis of DCIS, I was told on Friday, and now I need another biopsy before we work out the best way forward, obviously the two options are mastectomy or lumpectomy, my concern is I can’t have this other biopsy for 3weeks, I feel overwhelmed, I was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis this time last year, and I am a hairdresser, so I’m finding work a struggle and I’m wondering what I should expect with the recovery if I have a mastectomy and reconstruction vs lumpectomy and radiation? I would love to hear if anyone has experience any restrictions as a hairdresser getting back to work after a mastectomy? After my MS diagnosis I had to cut my business in half because of fatigue, now I’m concerned that I won’t have a business left after this if I can’t work for a while 😢ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsBrie321
Hi recently I had my first yearly mammogram following lumpectomy and radiation for stage one IDC. Unfortunately the radiologist found calcifications. I was therefore referred for a vacuum assisted biopsy via mammogram. This was done 3 weeks after finding the calcifications it was difficult to find a radiologist to carry this out. The night of the biopsy I had a major bleed into the breast. I was admitted to hospital for 3 days and no treatment given. Both the doctors in the ER and my breast surgeon stated they hadn't seen anything like this before. Now 3 weeks later I have 3 large haematomas in my breast and I cannot proceed with the lumpectomy my surgeon wants to carry out on the the intermediate grade dcis I was diagnosed with. My dilemma is do I ask the surgeon to evacuate the clots. My breast is so deformed and heavy it would be a relief to do something about it. My surgeon is seeking advice from colleagues. I think if I wait for it to absorb it will take a very long time. Has anyone else gone through this. I have a lot of pressure in the breast and concerned what it might do to underlying tissue.. Thanks for reading this far.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsWound care after lumpectomy
Hello everyone, This is my first time posting, and I am still learning how to use this platform, so I apologise if this question has already been asked. Been dx with Hormone positive DCIS in left breast and did lumpectomy. I am looking for some advice regarding incision care after my surgeon removed the waterproof dressing. It has been 20 days since my surgery, and the dressing was removed today. My surgeon recommended using Micropore tape for a few weeks and then starting a silicone gel afterwards. I was hoping to clarify a few things based on others' experiences. Do you shower with the Micropore tape in place and wait for it to naturally loosen before replacing it, or do you remove it daily to clean the incision and apply a new strip? I have done some research but would really appreciate hearing what others have done. I would also be interested to know when you started using silicone gel and when you began scar massage. Thank you in advance for your advice and experiences.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsTamoxifen + irregular periods.
Hi all, wondering if any has advice/having a similar experience. I have been on Tamoxifen for almost 2.5 years now and also in perimenopause. Since I’ve started Tamoxifen, periods have been extremely irregular (at least 5 months between a period), and when I do get my period it is so heavy, I can barely leave the house. I have been to my GP and he suggested I take Tranexamic acid to try and reduce the bleeding but that doesn’t seem to be having much effect. He has suggested I could have a mirena inserted, but need to check with oncologist (had lobular invasive carcinoma - ER positive). hoping someone else may have had a similar experience. thanks xx p.s have already been checked for endo + fibroids.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentSo confused, scared and teary
Hi all, I was just diagnosed yesterday with DCIS intermediate grade 2 and told to get off my HRT patches immediately. I have 3 areas in the one breast so I think i will need a masectomy. I have been contacted by Peter Mac in Melbourne regarding my referral and just waiting on confirmation of my appointment date. My brain is saying if I had to have cancer this is the one to get but my emotions are being ridiculous, so teary inside but cool and calm on the outside trying to support everyone else. If I do need a masectomy i want to have reconstruction surgery on the same day with a small implant but Im so worried as 6 months ago I was let go at work due to business downsizing and ive really struggled to find another job, my mum has just passed away and any savings I had have helped with the funeral etc so basically I am seriously going through hardship and only just paying my rent on my job seeker payment. I am so scared that I will find out going through this process there are some unexpected charges that arent included, all the sites say peter mac is free and I am bulk billing but Im so scared that my health is going to held back due to financial stress. Has anyone had this process done at peter mac, chose the medicare bulk billing option and was their reconstruction covered? Sorry Im really rambling here but its so much easier to type this to a stranger than someone I know. xxxxxViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsLCIS on 1st year
Hi, last year in Mar25 I was diagnosed with a DCIS, I have dense (c) breasts. In Apr25 I had a lumpectomy and then 2 weeks of radiation. My 1st year review was Mar26 and now I have been diagnosed with an LCIS - pleomorphic. My concern is that the 1st report says L high-grade DCIS - HR immunohistochemistry is in progress a supplementary report will follow - that says Oestrogen receptor (ER) strong nuclear express in 60% of cells, PR is -negative <1% - however, assessment is hampered by the limited extent of the intraductal proliferation. E-cadherin immunohistochemistry pathology is underway to confirm a ductal phenotype, a supplementary report will follow. On the following report conclusion is LB, stereotactic biopsis, stromal microcalcifications and focal in situ carcinoma, features favour plemorphic lobular carcinoma LCIS over DCIS My surgeon advised if it was the DCIS he would be recommending mastectomy but as it is LCIS then lumpectomy (same as last year) but no radiation. I have since had an MRI so we can be more conclusive but my concern is the rate at which I have had a LCIS pleomorphic grow. I am considering a second opinion, has anyone else been in this situation. I am 62years old and other than the above I am generally healthy. I am seriously considering a mastectomy given my dense breast, what if something is missed, I don't want to keep doing this each year. After reading many of your journeys I appreciate that I am possibly one of the lucky ones but at the moment very confused. BViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsBoth !! Triple negative and HER2 positive diagnosis in the same breast synchronous
Hi i have just had a left breast full mastectomy and sentinel node/s excision due to initial diagnosis of extensive high grade DCIS. I had DIEP flap reconstruction at the same time. Tests of the removed tissue indicate both Triple negative and HER2 positive cancers (early stage) in the same breast at the same time. My surgeons are on leave. I have only received a partial summary report so far and don’t get full results or next steps for treatment til end of January. Is this unusual to have 2 types of BC at once? In the same breast? Any others have similar experience. The half news and lack of next steps just now with all the specialists away is a psychological and emotional challenge. Advice appreciated thank you 🙏🏼ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsNew diagnosis, mum guilt and surgery
Hi All! It’s been a big month… recent diagnosis of invasive ductile carinomas x 2 in left breast, E+ PR+HER2LOW+1. Grabbed my breast after shooting pain on night before my 39th birthday, GP few days later, week after that had mammogram/ultrasound/biopsies x 3. Scheduled for bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction in a few weeks at the Wesley in Brisbane. Have been feeling quite positive, but now surgery date locked in I’m having a lot more anxiety!! Have 2 kids (5 & 7) that I’m worried about being away from, and have a busy job as a lawyer that I’m keeping going whilst waiting for surgery. I’m finding it a lot to plan for all I want to organise before surgery, so any tips/suggestions/ support would be amazing - I like to be super organised so particularly keen for any recommendations re what to pack etc!!ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSurgeon & Hospital Choices Melbourne
Hi, I am recently diagnosed with DCIS and 75 years old. I live in Melbourne and need to select a Surgeon and Hospital for either a Lumpectomy or mastectomy. Does anyone have experience with Cabrini or Epworth and also with the surgeons Sarah Kemp or Melanie Walker?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsDCIS, DMX reconstruction new diagnosis
Recently diagnosed DCIS Stage 0. Opting for DMX and reconstruction using my tummy fat same day…. Videos and some social media groups are TBH quite confronting and disturbing. I would rather know but….. Reading and hearing how awful the recovery is, pain, discomfort, loss of movement and after some helpful tips to prepare please: particularly diet, did you change your diet pre surgery? High protein to help with recovery? Can you recommend a website or recipe site? Things post surgery: hire a recliner to rest in, did you hire a wedge or breast pillow as well? Button up shirts and pjs, anything else that you found useful please? I’ve heard about the drains which sound daunting… what do i need to do with them? Toileting and cleaning myself… I hear you can’t put your arm around your back to wipe? I’ve got wet wipes but …. Don’t want to ask my partner to wipe my bum? Diet after surgery to avoid constipation. Any tips would be greatly appreciated thank you so so much.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsRecently diagnosed and have no idea what's in store
Hello there, I was diagnosed with High Grade DCIS in mid June this year. So far it is only in my right breast. It's on the right side of this breast, but a recent MRI showed an unknown area on the left side. I am having a US/MR biopsy on this side next week. I am in the public system and extremely grateful for the treatment I have received this far. I still have no idea what's in store. I am very mindful that time is precious to our medical staff and there are other patients who need treatment now, I haven't asked too many questions on the basis that my treatment is undecided. I was informed by the surgeon that there's two paths, lumpectomy, radiation and hormone blockers or mastectomy. When I asked about the radiation it was explained that you go get it, for a small amount of time each day for a few weeks, then you go about your normal life. When I asked about the hormone blockers, (I am post menopausal, but suffered, and lived with, as you have to, quite severe symptoms through perimenopause for the last 10 years) I was told the dose is really small and I will be fine. Okay, sounds good, too good to be true, but I will take that on board. I am terrified to have a mastectomy. I am very aware that I am luckier than a lot of people and having access to all of these services is amazing. I do have frustration, I look normal and feel normal, but that will all change soon. I feel guilty that I have stage 0 breast cancer whilst others are so much worse off. I work, I have good support around me. I have only told my immediate family (husband & 2 kids who are in their 20s and my brother) and my 2 bosses, they have all been very supportive. I guess I also feel a bit confused and stupid because I really don't know what is going to happen and don't have answers to questions they have. I don't go down the Dr Google path as that just messes with my brain. I am lucky that I've never really been sick in life, so navigating the hospital appointments and communication is a new challenge for me. I also try and distract myself, not ignoring it, it's always there, but I can't let it consume me. Sorry for rambling, I know I will be okay, just writing something down and getting stuff off my chest. I've been a bit scared too up until now. Thank you if you read this far. Onwards and upwards 😘ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsNerve Pain Management
Hello, I have recently been diagnosed with DCIS left breast for which I am 1 surgery done and another next week to clear further margins. I am struggling with the sensation in my nipple area for which I'm told is my nerves rejoining which can take up to 6 months to reform. I am finding the sensation extremely uncomfortable and am often in tears at the end of the day at the overstimulation of the area. I am wearing a bra 24/7 as a simple movement on my nipple is too much. I'm wondering if anyone has had success with anything natural as I ideally don't want to take any pharmaceutical medicines. Appreciate any guidance 😊ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsHRT withdrawal after DCIS diagnosis
Hi there. Just this week had my DCIS diagnosis and am reeling - totally out the blue. All moving very fast so wanted to ask the community about HRT. I have been told to just stop it immediately. Im peri and been on it 18 months or so. Really concerned all my symptoms will just come back. Can anyone give any advice or perspective if they have had to do this and what has happened to them?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsLesions that disappeared
1st mri 11/8/25 n left breast showed 2 lesions. 2nd mri on 28/8/25 left breast showed 1 lession as the other disappeared. Should I be concerned? HuppyViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsWearing a bra 24/7
Hi. Recently had surgery for DCIS. Results are positive. Follow up appointment with oncologist. Surgeon was fantastic, but was not as supportive as I thought she would be. Has done her bit I guess. Dressings are off and need to keep covered when showering. Looking for advice on best waterproof dressings to use. Pretty tender under the arm. Little bit swollen. Taking panadol and ibuprofen. Waking me up at night. Wearing a bra 24/7. When does that stop?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsNo tests before surgery
Hello everyone, im having surgery in 15 days. Obviously im getting a bit more anxious. I asked my Dr do i need scans or bloods before my bilateral mastectomy he said no. My sister said that is strange and not right. She made me worry and stress more. I just want to get thru this and hopefully be all clear and not require further treatment. Can I ask what others have had to do prior to surgery..eg bloods and such. Thank u xxxViewsSign in to react to this postComments
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