So scared

When I was diagnosed with DCIS seven years ago at age 40 (seven years ago), I would have had a mastectomy after the first lumpectomy. I wear a size 12B bra and amoungst all the information that I was given with my diagnosis, no where did it state that your breast may not look normal after a lumpectomy. I had four surgeries at fortnightly intervals. The last was a mastectomy with an implant reconstruction. I was offered the option of an implant as although getting a clear margin from DCIS was proving difficult, my small sized dcis and low grade cancer combined with being young and small breasted made me a good candidate. So if you need more than one lumpectomy, save yourself the stress, time and cost of subsequent surgeries to get a clear margin and have the mastectomy. Within a year of the surgery swelling going down more cancer was found on the scar. Two more surgeries and radiotherapy followed but that's another story. As is the lump I had removed yesterday and await the verdict. Good luck!

Hi Jodie, I'm new to this site also. I'm 41 and 3 months ago I was diagnosed with non invasive DCIS. I have 2 young boys (5 and 7). Having lost my mother to BC at 52, for me the dicision was easy. I'm now 4 weeks post op from a double mastectony. Thankfully all my results came back clear. Today I have my first saline injection in my expanders. I have a long road ahead for the reconstruction (although not as long as many), but I know I made the right decsion for me and my family. I'm lucky in that I don't need to have chemo or radio therapy. I'm just grateful that I could make the choice and my family won't need to see me go through what I saw my mother go through. I'm so surprised at how quickly my body has recovered from the surgery. I did as I was told and rested well :)

There will be many appintments ahead of you, much waiting and anxiety. I always took a girl friend with me (if my husband couldn't make it), no matter how big or small the appointment was. Sometime we just sat in the waiting room, not talking. Other times I talked so fast from nerves you couldn't understand what I was saying. Good luck with your decision making. Sarah :)

Just sending you loads of love.  You have come to the right place.  "Aunty" Shirl will be sending you any info that you need.  Whenever you feel the need come on line.  There is always someone in a similar situation as yourself and it is great to have a "buddy" to support you through this journey. XLeonie

Hi again ... I'm away for the weekend - going down to Horsham, Terry's daughter's 30th BUT my mobile is on all the time .. I think we have coverage out at the phone.  If mine doesn't receive, Terry's number is o428337890.  Call if you need me,

Enjoy your time with the kids, share everything with them - you will be surprised how strong they will be after the initial "sooky session".  Not putting down anyone who crys, it's a natural reaction when you are afraid.

When I went to Community Liaison training, I would cry every time I talked about b/c and mentioned Trevor, Jackie and the kids ... so we coined a phrase "Shirl's sooking-up" so that was another source of laughter.!!!

I've been speaking to Mum and I'm going to send her some info (so that she keeps away from Dr Google).  She and David are with you all the way, but as you can imagine they are scared too.

Love to you all, and will chat when I get home

Shirl x0x

Hi girls and thank you.

Im in awe of how you have gone through this and are here to help me. my specialist said my prognosis is excellent but im afraid to believe her ( if that makes sense). 

my son is coming home on special leave from the army for 2 days and arrives soon. I cant wait to see him. He said he will take me wig shopping lol bless him. That will have to wait for a few months.

Its all blurry at the  moment and my thoughts are all over the shop

Hey Jodie

Welcome to BCNA luvy but I am so sorry you have to be here.

You couldn't be in better hands than the lovely Shirl.  She will take up under her wing and care for you like one of her lil ducklings :-)  

You also have all of your other BCNA sisters so you can come and chat with us at anytime you need.  Any questions you may have or even if you want to vent, rant and rave, we are here.

We understand.  We have driven this road before you so we can help.

Good luck, make sure you listen to the old duck Shirl won't you.  Luv ya Shirl!!!!  Come back and chat with us any time Jodie.

Lots of love always, Mich xoxoxoox

No more of that silly "stupid me" talk young lady - you are not stupid.  When we get news like this we all search for answers but I found "Dr Google" a very confusing bloke !!!  No two sets of circumstances are identical and unfortunately the information on line can't answer your questions the same as someone you are eye-balling.

I'm not going to tell you to relax and not stress, that's not possible.  The next few weeks will feel as it you've got onto a merry-to-round that won't stop.  When you think of questions, write them down so that when you go to see your doc you can go through the list and get answers.  If you don't understand the answers then ask to have them explained in a simpler manner.  Don't forget - this is your body and you have the right to understand what's happening to it.

Make sure you always take someone with you to appointments ... if Richard can't make it sometimes, take Brittany (it's good to include her in your support crew so that she understands what you are facing).  Two pair of ears are better than one because you may not absorb everything.

OK young woman - it's late .... go to bed x0x

Thank you Shirl xxx Coming to terms with it all is all so new.

Stupid me is still googling and trying to find out information on Stage 1 because my tumour is under 2cm's? 

The next 2 weeks wait to see the specialist is going to be so hard :(