Newly diagnosed with DCIS - starting the rollecoaster

Question

Hi all,&nbsp;I live in Geelong. I'm 41. Single mum to a 13yo son, co-parent 50%.&nbsp; I was diagnosed with DCIS estrogen+ on the 14th Feb. Luckily is stage 0, which eases my worries a bit. My mum and sister had stage 2, and they are in remission. So this gives me hope and keeps me positive. I am not scared of the surgery or radiotherapy...but just have lots of doubts of how is the process going to affect my ability to concentrate on my phd and thesis writing and my ability to work (part time teacher, looking for change in career). I'm considering taking an intermission from my phd, but I don't know for how long, and how I am going to support myself financially. Did anyone kept working or studying through the treatment?I'm a planner....but this doesn't have a timeline...and I think I just have to take a day at the time. I don't have a date for surgery and radiotherapy yet...I don't know how long is going to go for and how I am going to feel.....My guess is just go with the flow.....

tri · Answer

Hi @paulinagtzr I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis 🌸 which must have been a real disruptor for your plans for 2025.&nbsp;My invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) breast cancer was HER2+ and oestrogen &amp; progesterone positive, so it’s different to your diagnosis.&nbsp;I was diagnosed just as I was about to start a sabbatical/ LSL career pause.&nbsp;Since I couldn’t do the travel I’d intended and I was asked by my team, I was able to work part time (1 day a week remotely). I continued the study I had planned to do in the UK part time by doing it online (1 day a week) throughout treatment.&nbsp;I kept engaged professionally through board and committee commitments which helped my wellbeing and helped me feel in touch with my identity as somebody other than a person having medical treatment.&nbsp;My treatment included 5 months of pre-surgical chemotherapy and immunotherapy, then surgery, a pause for 1 month then 3 weeks of radiation therapy and then another ~6 months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy targeted for HER2+ patients. Now I take a daily oestrogen suppressing tablet to reduce the risk of recurrence.&nbsp;I learned that the cancer type we have usually determines the treatment regime, the drugs used are tailored to the type too, and then your own medical history and breast cancer presentation will be other considerations. These factors, in turn, shape the types of side effects some of us experience and how we respond.I was surprised at how the chemotherapy affected me, at first, but came to an acceptance. Aside from the physical side effects, I found handling multiple people and issues incredibly taxing - it was something that used to energise me.&nbsp;I assessed how I would work (between 10:30am- 3 pm) and how many interactions I would have each day. I paused the (mainly social and people focused) things that were not as important for my health and wellbeing, to preserve the available energy that I had for my priorities.&nbsp;This is just a snapshot of how my particular treatment impacted me and my work life.&nbsp;@@Afraser story shows that there’s a whole spectrum of experiences and one thing to try to be comfortable with is that it’s something that is hard to predict until you have the treatment, and it can also vary during the course of a treatment lifecycle, so if you can keep an open mind it is a good way to be. Sending you lots of positive vibes 🌸🌻

jennyss · Answer

Dear @paulinagtzr,from jennyss in Western NSW

afraser · Answer

Hi @paulinagtzr In reply to your query, I worked right through chemo after surgery (no radiotherapy). I was 67 when diagnosed (mastectomy and axillary clearance) and working in events. I took a weekoff after surgery, a day off for four A/C chemodoses (every three weeks) but only a couple of hours for 12 weekly Taxol hits. The main problem is not being able to accurately gauge how you will respond to treatment until you are having it! I was fortunate - healed quickly and had none of the common chemo side effects. So best to have a plan B! Others may be able to advise about finances, particularly insurance through your super. Best wishes for your treatment and recovery.&nbsp;

mez_bcna · Answer

Hi @paulinagtzr Sorry to you have been diagnosed with DCIS and hopefully you feel supported through our Online Network community.While we wait for others to share their lived experience, you may find our information re cognitive changes during breast cancer treatment helpful:Managing cognitive changes related to breast cancer treatmentsEveryone's experience is unique and knowledge of how you may be impacted can be helpful.

cinta8 · Answer

Hi Paulina, have you had genetic testing with your family history and diagnosis at young age?&nbsp; all the best with your treatments.