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JeanineG's avatar
JeanineG
Member
12 years ago

DCIS

Hi. I joined BCNA a while ago but this is my first post. I was diagnosed with high-grade, Her2+, multi-focal DCIS in July 2012 after having a benign lump removed in February 2012 and been given the "all clear". It was only on my insistence that I was given a mammogram four months later and to my shock and horror was told that I had early stage breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. I had watched my younger sister go through this a year earlier so it was like watching a movie going backwards and I couldn't believe it was now my turn. I elected to do bilateral mastectomies so that I wouldn't always be worrying about cancer developing in the other breast. I also felt the reconstruction would be more symmetrical. Within two weeks I had had the biggest surgery of my life and struggled to deal with the pain and shock. It is a year later and I am still trying to come to terms with the diagnosis and how fortunate I was to listen to my internal voice and insist on having another mammogram. If I had settled on my surgeons advice, I would have been very much worse off by the time the cancer would have been discovered. I welcome any comments from ladies going through reconstruction or, indeed, anyone who needs support. It's the only way to get through such a difficult time.

5 Replies

  • JeanineG's avatar
    JeanineG
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Tonya. Thanks so much for your lovely response. I'm quite overwhelmed already by the kindness and understanding I've received just a few hours since my first post. I'm sorry to hear that you have suffered twice with this terrible disease. You are definitely a brave lady - even if its unwillingly. I have been told so many times how "brave" I am but, in truth, I'm just getting through each day the best way I can. The shock of being diagnosed when you believe yourself to be healthy and still young for a BC diagnosis is huge. I opted for reconstruction because I couldn't imagine going through life without breasts but, in truth, I was probably just going with what was recommended by my lovely surgeon and not really processing what was happening. I don't regret my reconstruction at all but it has been slow, painful, and somewhat disappointing to realise that perfection is not the end goal for the plastic surgeon - even if it's what I had been hoping for. I am very grateful to be healthy now - I just need my emotions to stabilise! How have you managed to get to a point of feeling normal? I understand the feeling of having surgery "overload" as I have had 5 surgeries since February 2012. The thought of more is difficult. Again, thanks so much for listening - it's so very much appreciated.
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    Another big welcome from me,also up late on my computer! I think we are so focused on getting through surgery and treatments that when it's all over we then start to  process what has happened to us. I've had bc twice and each time it took me around 2 years to get abit of confidence back in my health. This network is a great place to come and share info,give/receive support or just rant and rave.My last bout of bc was in 2010 when I had to have a mastectomy and chemo. I've not had reconstruction as I'm undecided.I had 3 operations on a broken ankle prior the mastectomy so I was in surgery overload! I'm ok now and enjoying life after making big changes.I've made lots of lovely friends here at the bcna network-there is a real sisterhood here.Thanks for sharing - Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    12 years ago

    Another big welcome from me,also up late on my computer! I think we are so focused on getting through surgery and treatments that when it's all over we then start to  process what has happened to us. I've had bc twice and each time it took me around 2 years to get abit of confidence back in my health. This network is a great place to come and share info,give/receive support or just rant and rave.My last bout of bc was in 2010 when I had to have a mastectomy and chemo. I've not had reconstruction as I'm undecided.I had 3 operations on a broken ankle prior the mastectomy so I was in surgery overload! I'm ok now and enjoying life after making big changes.I've made lots of lovely friends here at the bcna network-there is a real sisterhood here.Thanks for sharing - Tonya xx

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    12 years ago

    My precious husband found my lump and I was diagnosed in Nov 2011.  So I am very grateful to him for saving my life.  I tell him now he can ogle and grope whenever he wants just in case he might be able to save my life again.  How many wives say that to their husband......  I had a couple of surgeries, chemo and radiotherapy.  I am doing okay but currently they are researching why I am having a few issues with what I call my alien boob so we are working on that one at the moment.  Health and fitness wise I am doing okay so no complaints on that scale.  Life just moves on I guess and we just pick up the pieces as best as we can and carry on.  Just like we do when we are going through the process of surgery and treatment.

    Thanks for sharing and I am sure there will be others grateful for the fact you have come on board.  I know I am.

    Lots of love always, Mich xoxoxo

  • JeanineG's avatar
    JeanineG
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hi Mich. Thanks so much for your warm and prompt response. It is a year since my diagnosis. I have felt uncomfortable sharing my story when I've been so fortunate and had a good outcome whilst so many people are less fortunate. I guess once my sister had her diagnosis I felt it was inevitable for it to happen to me. I had persistent pain in my left breast for years which turned out to be the lump that was initially removed and which I was told was benign. Two months after that surgery the pain returned - and they say that cancer doesn't hurt! It helps to share my feelings - I still struggle with the reality that my life is different but I do know that I am very lucky. What happened to you and how are you doing now? Kind regards X