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When i joined a couple of weeks ago, i had been diagnosed with grade 3 DCIS on left breast and a small area circa 5 mm diffuse DCIS on the right. I had been to multiple mammograms, ultrasounds, MRI, 4 vacuum core biopsies and continued to work full time throughout. A mad round of waiting rooms and multiple strangers male and female poking and prodding and squeezing and compressing my breasts. Pathology results showed bilateral lumpectomy would be best course followed by radiation therapy to mop up any stragglers. On the 9th i went in for surgery and was home the same night. Still feeling a little numb but positive all was clear as I've been having mammograms on a yearly basis. Results provided on 19th with the specialist however read differently. Left breast shows invasive DCIS 8mm across with some margins not clear on area up to 52 mm. Right breast had only identified a small area 5mm by 5mm on MRI, however lumpectomy excision was expanded twice to almost 35mm and still unable to get clear margins. Now classified as stage 1 invasive DCIS. So i go back to hospital next week for bilateral mastectomy and bilateral sentinel node excision. It's sudden unexpected and a shock. No symptoms, no lumps and damn lucky we checked the right breast as everything had focussed on the left. It's starting to be real to me now. I've only had cancer for 4 weeks that i know of. I was at work full time 2 weeks ago.
16 Replies
- Ahnn - I think its difficult to understand and/or appreciate what the very fact of being diagnosed does to our 'head space', factor in a general anesthetic and pain and you have the perfect recipe for loss of concentration, the 'will to do' and some short term memory problems. I accepted these as symptoms of a stressful and painful time and learned to let go of making any judgements about changes in my behavior - I decided it was very ok to just veg., forget how to do French Knots, get bored with a book after two chapters. I learned to enjoy 'just sitting' and accepted that my body wisdom knew what was best for me. I had left breast and lymph nodes removed eight years ago and there is still some numbness which doesn't bother me. Perhaps all I need to say is, 'Listen to your body and accept how the healing process demands some adjustments'.
- Good news re: the path report.
The underarms take some time. The nerves get very antsy about being messed with. I was positive that mine was red raw but the skin was perfectly fine. I found that using some very soft padding across the area stopped any contact which helped calm the burning sensation. It only lasted a week or so. However, full sensation in that area may never return. - Okay I've been home a week now from hospital after double mastectomy. Finished reading 2 books, 2 magazines cover to cover. Started 3 new Netflix series and not completed one yet. Can't manage cross stitch but i am managing crochet. Pathology results were good. Sentinel nodes are clear what a relief. I've been out twice for medical appointments and my chest just aches so much for hours afterwards! Any ideas? Most swelling has gone down, most tenderness just in underarms
- oh darn @Ahnn - that would be really annoying!! I hope you have a couple of good books you can read!! I stocked on up videos too!
Do you have a couple of small pillows to help support both your arms when trying to sleep? I found the 'weight of the arm' across my body when on my side was really uncomfortable & the small 'log shaped' cushion really helped, keeping it 'level' with the bed. Your BC nurse may be able to get you one for you?
Take care xx - I ended up getting Netflix and got absorbed in a series. Once drains out at least you can get out a bit
- @Ahnn Oh gosh that is dull! I hope you can find a good book and enjoy a gentle walk to break things up a bit. Perhaps you could invite friends over to keep you company. Hang in there, K xox
- I've been home now for two days, post double mastectomy and bilateral sentinel lymph node removal. Still difficult to get comfortable sleeping but a pillow under my knees has helped with lower back pain. More waiting for results of lymph node biopsies- fingers crossed they're clear. I've been told, no repetitive movement while the drains are in so no knitting, embroidery or any other craft work. I don't miss the washing, cleaning or vacuuming but just watching tv is boring!
- You have to giggle. A huge earthmover came down our side lane very early on Friday (a non working day for me). The last one that tried that trick damaged the fence and a tree so I dressed very quickly and went out with camera to record vehicle, number plate etc, just in case. In such a hurry, I forgot my prosthesis (it had to happen one day). The crew must have wondered what had been visited upon them. But I think it was along the lines of ‘don’t mess with a onebreasted woman, remember the Amazons’!!
- @Ahnn Wishing you the best xox
- @Ahnn All the best for your recovery.
