Newly diagnosed with DCIS

Cynthia_Plus_5

My annual mammogram showed something that wasn't on my previous exam. A second, more in-depth mammogram still didn't clarify anything so a core biopsy was done.
A bit of a stressful week waiting for the results, and unfortunately it shows malignant cells.
Fortunately, it's small and should only require a lumpectomy surgery-wise.
I don't see the surgeon until next week so unsure as to further treatments if any.
For the first few days I was quite ok, resolute, and thinking one step at a time and all will be good.
Today however, I've been quite teary. Even though I know I'm one of the lucky ones.

arpie

So sorry to see you join our select little club @Cynthia_Plus_5 - the club you never ever thought you'd be joining    Ask away ANY question & we'll do our best to answer it honestly, as we all know exactly how it feels after diagnosis & going thru the treatments.  If you keep upgrading this thread, it will almost be a 'diary' for you to look back on later on!   

It is a roller coaster of emotions - so being quite teary is totally normal & it happened to most of us at one stage or another - so don't be afraid to 'let it all out' .... it can be quite cathartic to even have a big SCREAM now & then, probably in the safety of your car, away from other people tho!     And don't forget to ring our helpline on 1800 500 258 to have a chat with our Mods ... 

Make sure you have a trusted friend or relative with you at all your early appointments & even consider recording the appointments on your phone, as it is almost impossible to remember everything that is said at the time. 

Have a think about how you are going to tell people - with me, it was on an 'as needs basis' .... telling my nearest & dearest first - some others didn't find out til I sent out the next Xmas Letter, 12 months later! LOL  .... and even then, I set up an email that I sent out every other week, so I didn't have to keep repeating the same story over & over ... 

In the mean time, try & keep yourself as busy as you can, doing things you love doing (I basically went fishing in my kayak every day between initial scans/biopsy & the actual diagnosis!)  .... Maybe, consider cooking up some meals & freezing them, making it easier for after you do have your surgery.

Also, check out this post for lots of 'general' info on the forum that you may like to look at too! (Even some funny bits, as we all need a laugh xx)  You can show off your garden, your fur-kids, your art & craft ..... or start a new thread, with your favourite hobby!     At the bottom of the post are some Tick Sheet PDFs that you can print off & fill in, to follow your physical and mental health .... that you can take along with you & show your team, if you need xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

And definitely check out the podcasts by Charlotte Tottman - as she's had a double mastectomy, stayed flat and KNOWS what we've all gone thru!  She was surprised too, the emotions she went thru herself, as they were different from what she'd 'thought they were' when she was counseling women prior to her own diagnosis.  So she 'gets it'.
Go to this link, click on the 'list' (it should show 22 tracks) and start off with No 13 (the first one of Series 1) and work your way thru them.
https://soundcloud.com/search?q=charlotte tottman

Yep, take one step at a time, one day at a time, one hour at a time, if needed xx.  And make sure you stay away from Dr Google, as a lot of it is outdated & not relevant to your own diagnosis ... and will only confuse you.   Ask important questions of your team (and/or you Breast Care Nurse, when you are connected with one.)

take  care and all the best for your ongoing appointments & meeting up with your surgeon next week

jennyss

Dear @Cynthia_Plus_5,

from jennyss in Western NSW

Cynthia_Plus_5

Thank you so much for that information Arpie, very informative.
Your words of wisdom about not looking at Dr. Google made me laugh a little.
The breast cancer nurse gave me a few sheets of info that said to beware of Dr Google too.

Although I did look up how long a lumpectomy surgery would take. And, whoah, here's me thinking it would be like when I've had cysts removed. Local anaesthetic, ten minutes and out.
This is a whole different ball game.

My daughter, Sandra, is being a great help mostly because she is a breast cancer survivor herself. The first on either side of the family to have it at 46. Hers was invasive and had spread to her lymph nodes so did end up having a double mastectomy.

I have told my family and a couple of very close friends. I will leave my wider circle to know if and when I see them. It almost seems like an anti-climax knowing it's so small and is "only" a lumpectomy.

arpie

@Cynthia_Plus_5 I am So sorry to hear your daughter has been thru it also and hope she is going well - does she have kids?  She will be a great support for you - and be able to guide you thru all the treatments xx. Has it been suggested that she have a Brca gene test?  To see if it is hereditary?  Might be an idea to mention it to her xx

Undergoing any surgery is always stressful & having 'just a lumpectomy' is still surgery.  This diagnosis mucks with your head even more than it does, your body xx

Take care & all the best 

LJS

It's a very scary, emotional time Cynthia_Plus_5. Cry as much as you need to. It mucks with your head and heart no matter how 'resolute' you try to be. Takes a while to process the shock of the diagnosis.

I've just had a lumpectomy and while I'm recovering well, it's certainly not a ten min in and out thing. I can't imagine what a mastectomy must be like. This forum is a great support. Only do as much reading as you can cope with...often overwhelms you. There's a lot of waiting...tests, appts and pathology results. Very nerve wracking. Good advice above. Take care, LJS

Cynthia_Plus_5

Thank you