Result of core needl biopsy

If you were going to get breast cancer being told that you have DCIS is probably the best ...  It was still a shock on hearing the news even though I was expecting it.

When given my diagnosis, they asked how I felt, I said I was expecting it but in reality I was screaming inside. I didn't dare glance at my husband.

But it was good knowing he was there sitting with me. Listening to my questions and asking some of his own. Having done loads of research in the last two days, I asked lots of questions but it really didn't hit me until a couple of hours later when we were out and about shopping and then I felt tearful.

Being told you have cancer is never good news and it takes a while for it to sink in but given a hug from my husband within a sfew minutes I bounced back and told told my husband that bubbles were definitely needed!

The Breast screening clinic gave me some information and I met with my McGrath Breast Care Nurse who will be my contact throughout my treatment. The doctor, who gave me the results was great as well as was the senior counsellor with the Department of Health and Human Services who sat in on the consultation with my husband and I. We discussed DCIS and the teatments available as well as radiotherapy which will be required. Luckily, I have private health insurance so was able to choose my Specialist. They also arranged an appointment with my doctor ... who organised a letter to be sent to my Specialist who will be organising my operation. Within an hour of seeing my doctor I heard from his office and have an appointment for Monday. I guess my operation will be in the New Year. 

I am lucky that my cancer is small and insitu (and as far as we know it has not spread outside of the milk duct) but until I have the operation and the cluster is removed I won't know for sure. I will be having breast conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy so I guess I will be out of action for a few weeks.   I hope to be able to continue my workouts by using light weights and at least keep up my squats and lunges and lower body movements.

I also know that I will have to stick to my calories once the operation is over as my movements will be restricted for a short while. Hiking/workouts will be off limits but at least I will be able to walk and walk and walk along the beaches here with the dogs. I am determined to log, log and log what I eat again and to track my maintenance weight on a weekly basis during this time and to keep myself fit.  It's taken me 10 months to lose 26 kilos - I do not want to gain back my weight.

My husband has been great, very supportive. He read the booklet and tells me I have a 96% chance to be alive after 15 years. Not bad. My Mum, who had breast cancer is still alive after 26 years so I reckon I can make her total and more. 

I often wonder how this happens. It's not hereditary at my age though I find it strange that I am the same age as my Mother when she was first diagnosed. I have never smoked, have only had alcohol in moderation, breast fed, eaten relatively well though I was overweight by 25 kilos during menopause and had hormone replacement therapy for 4 years ... and here I am with cancer of the breast. I guess I'll never know why but I suspect is has something to do with many things.

I've been told my outlook is great as my cancer is in situ and is small. I worry about the look of my breast after my operation (my husband is a breast man) and I guess I am concerned that DCIS may reappear in future years but I also feel positive. The bubbly has helped. We raised our glasses to the "BIG C" and I said "look out baby cause I'm going to beat you and you're going to be gone before you know it"! (Well with the ongoing help of my team of course :) )

When I started my weight loss at the beginning of 2014  (I dropped from 78 kilos to 52 kilos) it seemed a long road to travel  ... I now have another road to travel and yes, just like the first it may have many bumps and ruts along the way, but I know that there will be success at the end of this journey just as there was in my weight loss journey.

 

Best foot forward girl.  I know I can beat this.