Forum Discussion

gracieg's avatar
gracieg
Member
2 months ago

Recently diagnosed DCIS

Hi, 

Like everyone I never thought I would be here...yet here we are! I have recently been diagnosed with IDC Er/pr + HER2- tumour was 9mm grade 3 ki67 40, lymph nodes negative but there were 3 cells. I'm 53 and postmenopausal with ovaries removed 2 years ago. I've had 2 surgeries in 4 weeks. The tumour was successfully removed, however the margin in one section showed DCIS right to the edge so they took a little more tissue which came back all clear. I met with my oncologist today and he has recommended 4 cycles of chemo, radiation and then hormone therapy. The Chemo he is recommending is TC, oes anyone have any experience with this treatment please. I'm pretty sure I will do it as I want to give myself the best chance possible for full recovery. Thank you

chemotherapy
invasive dictal carcinoma
lymph nodes
treatment decisions

2 Replies

  • Katie46's avatar
    Katie46
    Member
    2 months ago

    Hi gracieg​ I had a similar diagnosis, although my tumour was 20mm, grade 3, ki67 30, er/pr + her2- and had spread to 1 lymph node. My oncologist strongly recommended I do chemo. I had a lumpectomy with clear margins, I did 4 rounds of TC and 12 of paclitaxel, radiation and now on hormone blockers and ck4/6 inhibitors. 

    I chose to do whatever my team suggested, I feel like I'm doing all I can to stop a reoccurance, or hold it off for as long as possible. 

    Do you have a McGrath Nurse you can speak to, mine were wonderful and answered lots of questions. This part of the process can be overwhelming, I felt much better once I had a plan in place and I started treatment.

    Chemo isn't fun, but for most people it's manageable. The side effects vary from person to person, so no-one can really tell you how it will be for you, but most people fall into the manageable category I think.

    I'm now over a year out the other side and feeling pretty much like my old self.

    All the best for your journey. Katie 

  • gracieg's avatar
    gracieg
    Member
    2 months ago

    Hi, Katie46, thank you for your reply. I am so pleased to hear you are feeling like your old self. The whole process seems so daunting and overwhelming. I am really nervous about starting Chemo, the list of side effects is sooo long! I to want to give myself the best chance for a full recovery. Is ther any advice on things you can do to help treatment and side effects? Unfortunately the private hospital does not have a breast care nurse so I am feeling a little lost. Anyway figners crosed.