Forum Discussion

Kellie_Smith's avatar
Kellie_Smith
Member
11 years ago

Newly Diagnosed

HI there, I'm new to BCNA... I was only diagnosed with DCIS a couple of weeks ago and I am still trying to "find my way" in this new and scary world... I turned 40 a couple of months ago and immediately booked myself in for a mammogram... I was told I needed a vacuum biopsy on a very tiny area of microcalcification that appeared on the mammogram and the results of that biopsy showed DCIS (I believe my surgeon has said it is a "higher grade change"... My surgeon is fairly confident that is the only duct affected and that it is non-invasive but I am still so concerned..... Sorry I still feel I am in the land of the unknown until I hear of my MRI results and have my lumpectomy next Wednesday so I struggle with my full diagnosis until they can confirm pathology, etc... There is no family history of BC and I come from a very close, tightknit family... I am so used to being the one running around after everyone, being the fixer and I am really strugling seeing my partner, parents, children and sister being so worried about me... The waiting game is so difficult, I just want this "thing" out of me and feel assured that it won't return - but am very teary and emotional... 

6 Replies

  • Kellie_Smith's avatar
    Kellie_Smith
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thanks again for your replies - I have some good news!  I received the results of my MRI yesterday and other than the affected DCIS duct - both breasts were clear!!  Best news I have heard in 5 weeks!!  My lumpectomy is scheduled for this Wednesday, so hopefully I will have clear margins and then I will be ready to take the next step (if there is one) xxx

  • Jess_BCNA's avatar
    Jess_BCNA
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Kellie, Jess from BCNA here - just wanted to say hello/welcome to the online network, I hope the network gives you a place to connect with others and share your experiences. Just want to let you know that If you need a hand with anything just give me a shout : )

    ~ jess

     

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    Sorry to hear about your diagnosis and welcome to the network. It's a scary time and you have every right to be emotional, I found it difficult to watch my loved ones upset as well. Sounds like you got it early and that's a good thing, take care and keep in touch, 

    Hazel xx

  • sallyw's avatar
    sallyw
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Kellie

    I hope your test results come back all okay and good luck with your lumpectomy next week.  The waiting can be the most difficult part of this journey.  I was diagnosed with BC last June and I am waiting on results from my yearly breast screen and mammogram which I had yesterday.  Stay positive and it really is okay to be emotional. 

    This site is the best place for support.

    Sally

     

  • Kellie_Smith's avatar
    Kellie_Smith
    Member
    11 years ago

    I really appreciate your response Deanne - it's very comforting to speak with others that are going through, or have gone through BC... I had my MRI today so I am hoping there will not be anything unexpected found in that, but if there is I guess I will just take it one step at a time... Thanks again for your reply and sentiments - every conversation I have with a BC survivor makes me feel that little bit more hopeful that there will be a time I will be able to put all of this behind me xx

  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hearing that word cancer is scarey and until you know exactly what you are facing it is hard to think about anything else. It sounds like you have done all the right things and have discovered this very early. DCIS is not invasive so this will make treatment much easier. Most of us do not have any family history so getting any sort of breast cancer comes as an awful shock. I never expected to be facing it at 47 and I had an invasive tumor as well as DCIS. But I have had all my treatment and with hormone therapy I have an excellent chance of never having to deal with this again. Most people have treatment and go onto live happy and healthy lives these days. This is the best place for talking about how you are feeling as we have played the waiting game too. Please keep in contact and let us help you through. Take care and wishing you all the best. Deanne xxx