Forum Discussion
Still struggling with the word pre-cancer after DCIS mastectomy
I was diagnosed with low grade DCIS in my right breast in Nov 2019 and had a mastectomy in Jan 2020. I am 38 years old. I saw 2 specialist and both recommended a mastectomy because I am small breasted...
Dear @averi
i didn’t have your problem - I had a clear, aggressive tumour with what looked like a lot of affected lymph nodes. Turned out only one node was malignant but 17 went, along with my breast, with some long term side effects. Why? Because it was too risky to leave them there. Just as it was too risky to leave your breast. Absolutely no-one is expected to feel grateful for anything to do with cancer. But my own experience says you may, further down the track, feel lucky that you got the early warning light. You are still you. A little battered maybe but not diminished. Grieve the loss by all means but remember grief is a step on the road (to acceptance) not the destination. So much life still to live - look forward to it. Best wishes.
i didn’t have your problem - I had a clear, aggressive tumour with what looked like a lot of affected lymph nodes. Turned out only one node was malignant but 17 went, along with my breast, with some long term side effects. Why? Because it was too risky to leave them there. Just as it was too risky to leave your breast. Absolutely no-one is expected to feel grateful for anything to do with cancer. But my own experience says you may, further down the track, feel lucky that you got the early warning light. You are still you. A little battered maybe but not diminished. Grieve the loss by all means but remember grief is a step on the road (to acceptance) not the destination. So much life still to live - look forward to it. Best wishes.