Good morning,Does anyone have experience with extensive Ductal carcinoma in situ? Thank you x

Part of living is the accumulation of these experiences. Some people seem to get through most of their lives without many of these events - some just seem to get overloaded. My wonderful Dad died of a massive heart attack when I was a 13yo home alone with him - that screwed me up for a number of years (no psychological help, in those days). My big sister was diagnosed with bc when she was 32 with 2 very young children. She went into surgery for biopsy and came out with a full mastectomy. Her first words were that she wanted to live to see her boys grow up. Well, she was there when they turned 18 and 21 but not much longer. During that time she also battled bipolar and we battled with her. I lost my warrior Mum to heart disease almost a year to the day of my sister's death. My kids have lost their other grandfather since my diagnosis. And then there's all of the other "smaller" traumas that beset us - in our personal arena we've had illness, injury, bushfire, depression. I find myself thinking a lot of the past as well as the future. My kids will understand uncertainty and grief, and hopefully also find that they are resilient enough to manage life with all it can throw at you.

@RR Please don't panic yet. I also had invasive DCIS as mentioned above in my story & you know how well I got on. If caught early you could have a good outcome like me. I know my words won't help your anguish but i do remember how I coped early on & I remember my sister telling me how proud she was of me & my handling of it all & how strong I was. I told her I was only focusing on the cards that had been dealt to me & I wasn't panicking about surgery/treatments that may never happen. i do that through life as well. If you can't change it, then you have to deal with it the best you can & move on accordingly. Don't panic about things that may never happen as that worry eats you inside & for no reason sometimes. You have to be strong & you will come out the other side even stronger. You will be amazed at how you will find strength through this & we are here to help you. take care & good luck tomorrow. I know you won't sleep well tonight but may i suggest taking someone with you to the appt tomorrow or tape it as you will hear a lot of info & 2 ears are better then 1 especially when your head is already spinning. Take notes & write down questions to ask. Loads of Hugs & let us know how you go xx

Oh golly, life is a huge slog . You started on a very hard road at 13yr @Sister , how traumatic , and @"Kiwi Angel" with your mum at 25, I got to 36 virtually unscathed but it's been a bit of a bumpy road since then putting it mildly. It appears most of us on here seem to have lived through traumas and stress. And maybe appeared to deal with it all quite well at the time .... I still think this has a huge factor when it comes to getting bc. Hugs everyone

I, for one, think that diseases such as bc owe a lot to stress. Whether that's in my mind (ha!) or reality may never be proven, I guess.

I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in January of this year, ended up having a lumpectomy (which is where I got my diagnosis), a partial mastectomy and then a full mastectomy where a large portion of DCIS was found. Apparently all mine has been removed but I am having preventative chemo now to mop up anything.

Ductal carcinoma in situ | BCNA Online Network

48 Replies

Kiwi_Angel
Member
8 years ago
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in January of this year, ended up having a lumpectomy (which is where I got my diagnosis), a partial mastectomy and then a full mastectomy where a large portion of DCIS was found. Apparently all mine has been removed but I am having preventative chemo now to mop up anything.
RR
Member
8 years ago
Thinking of you, this journey is awful.
Kiwi_Angel
Member
8 years ago
Yes, as the ladies say it’s a club no one wants to join. But it’s an amazing supportive club. Have u been to see a surgeon or oncologist?? Big hugs xoxxo
RR
Member
8 years ago
I have had an ultrasound and mammogram which showed extensive Ductal carcinoma in situ. I have a biopsy on Monday and back to the surgeon on Thursday.
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
My understanding is that DCIS is how breast cancer starts, but that having it doesn't necessarily mean that it will start. The biopsy will show how active it is. Grade 1, not very, Grade 2, moderately, Grade 3, very. What your biopsy finds will probably determine your treatment but there are other factors involved as well.

My re-excision found a previously unseen 4cm dogleg of DCIS. I found this website very clear:

http://breast-cancer.ca/4b-atypical/

Good luck, take care, and let us know how you get on.
RR
Member
8 years ago
Thank you x
SoldierCrab
Member
8 years ago
hi RR I hope that the messages above have helped you find more information ....

Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet.

It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time.

The what and how thread.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1

Breast Care Nurses

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx

My Journey Kits and other resources.

https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.

Just ask questions here at any time the ladies and gents will always answer you ...
soldiercrab
RR
Member
8 years ago
Thank you so much :)
brightspace
Member
8 years ago
Hi RR sorry you have had diagnosis
DCIS while not technically breast cancer ...is just as scary as it can reoccur
Decision making for treatment is often left for you
Either
Lumpectomy with rads or chemo
Or
Mastectomy ..some choose single or a double...
Your choice for reconstruction

my surgeon left it up me to make decision as there is no difference with stats percentages for reoccurance
I had single mastectomy ...as older at 60 i opted for no recon ...ok for me as prothesis insert for bras and swim wear is doable
Also follow up did not recommend AI therapy

All the best with treatment decisions
Bright in hope
RR
Member
8 years ago
Thank you, it is very daunting at the moment.