Newly diagnosed
I have just been diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, and had a lumpectomy. I was rushed out of hospital and have been sitting at home trying to work out what has happened. I know I am not alone b...
Forum Discussion
@Neomi
Welcome! We know you’d rather not be here but welcome nevertheless and I hope you find this site helpful.
You’ve taken the first step - surgery - and we all know that working out the next steps can be confusing and quite overwhelming but you can get help to fathom it all out. A breast care nurse would be a good start - if you received no information in hospital, contact your GP or the McGrath Foundation to assist you in finding a local nurse. You may also want to seek some counselling - your GP can provide a referral. Cancer can affect you emotionally - it’s not a small thing - I’ve never suffered from depression but I found a couple of months with a good counsellor during treatment immensely helpful, not so
much about dealing with cancer (your medical team will be on that!) but the life issues that will doubtless surface at this time. I had a mastectomy, chemo, Herceptin and almost ten years of hormonal therapy. I worked throughout active treatment, took on a new job a year later and finally retired at 75. It can be done, but it’s all small step by small step. Each stage completed is a big win and should be treated accordingly. Many others on this site can offer advice and help you feel less isolated. It’s a new stage in your life but it can be a positive one. Best wishes.
Welcome! We know you’d rather not be here but welcome nevertheless and I hope you find this site helpful.
You’ve taken the first step - surgery - and we all know that working out the next steps can be confusing and quite overwhelming but you can get help to fathom it all out. A breast care nurse would be a good start - if you received no information in hospital, contact your GP or the McGrath Foundation to assist you in finding a local nurse. You may also want to seek some counselling - your GP can provide a referral. Cancer can affect you emotionally - it’s not a small thing - I’ve never suffered from depression but I found a couple of months with a good counsellor during treatment immensely helpful, not so
much about dealing with cancer (your medical team will be on that!) but the life issues that will doubtless surface at this time. I had a mastectomy, chemo, Herceptin and almost ten years of hormonal therapy. I worked throughout active treatment, took on a new job a year later and finally retired at 75. It can be done, but it’s all small step by small step. Each stage completed is a big win and should be treated accordingly. Many others on this site can offer advice and help you feel less isolated. It’s a new stage in your life but it can be a positive one. Best wishes.