Hi, I have been diagnosed with DCIS in the left breast. I have had two lumpectomies under hook wire. The first hook wire was put in the wrong area and came back negative but my surgeon knew that wasn't right and after speaking to the radiologist went in again in the right area and that pathology came back with high grade 33mm DCIS involving the margins. My surgeon has booked me in for a mastectomy in the next 2-3 weeks as he said it is very widespread. I am feeling pretty surreal at the moment and am trying to comprehend having my left breast gone. I am a D cup so it is a fair amount to lose. It feels weird to tell people I don't have invasive breast cancer but I am going to lose my breast. Sorry I think I am rambling, but to be honest I am feeling pretty nervous about it and worried about how I am going to react once it is done. I am 41 and have three children and a wonderfully supportive partner. I think I just need some reassurance that everything is going to ok. Thanks for such a great support network Kelly

I had a lumpectomy,full node clearance and radiation back in 2003-clear margins.But the cancer came back in the same breast(left)same spot 7 years later.So I had to have a mastectomy.Recovery from either operation is the same. Obviously,it is more confronting to lose the whole breast but I was surprisingly ok when the nurse took the dressing off.I'm a c cup and wear a prosthesis which once I'm dressed,I forget about. My husband is fine but I admit I don't do"naked"anymore. In hindsight,I should have had a mastectomy in the first place because now I have limited reconstruction choices due to the radiation.I'm still not sure if I'll do recon.I have adjusted to having one boob but it doesn't mean I like it or want to flash it.I was just so relieved the cancer was gone and it hadn't spread.You will be ok and adjust in time.Please blog back for support or if you have any questions. Tonya xx

Welcome to the club you dont want to join. You dont know it yet but you have thousands of ladies here ready to help you through this. We have all had a turn on the rollercoaster, some with more highs and lows than others. I was one of the lucky ones, DCIS in one breast, had it off, went back and had the other off and had a double reconstruction. I wasnt going to have a reconstruction at the start but after 12 months decided to. From now on its best to take someone with you to the doctors and they will be your ears and remember what is said at meetings. Write down questions that you want to ask. Once you have a plan in place its a little easier. try not to get too far ahead of the game, take it a week at a time. We all have different breast cancers and we all cope in different ways. No matter what we will support you, even when you are rambling LOL. Be patient, be good to yourself, take a breath and hug your kids. You will be OK its just very scary. Big Hug, annie

Thanks Annie and Tonya, your words have made me feel better. It's definately a club I didn't want to join but now that I have, it is nice to know there is so much support out there. I am confident that mastectomy is the right thing and as my partner says, I am still me and I will be well. Big hugs back. Kelly

Annie and tonya said such supportive and encourging words theres nothing more i can add other than to say I too had a mastectomy June 2011 and u do get used to it tho I don't think u ever like it. I agree im not very confident naked anymoreI've considered recon but don't think I'm ready yet. Tho I've just turned 32 so it may b a good idea as I'm still pretty young. I fear what it will look and feel like. Photos the surgeons show me just aren't enough. Good luck with it all Kelly. Stay strong. ull b fine ;-)

DCIS and Mastectomy | BCNA Online Network

38 Replies

JeanineG
Member
12 years ago
How fabulous that the news is good :) - so happy for you both. Enjoy life and live it to the full. Xxx Jeanine
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Akal05
Member
12 years ago
Thank you so much Kelly!! :-) Michelle xxx
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kellybellydance
Member
12 years ago
Whoohoo, that is fantastic news! Have fun shopping for her prostetic!

Sending hugs (while jumping up and down in excitement for you)

Kelly xxx
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kellybellydance
Member
12 years ago
Whoohoo, that is fantastic news! Have fun shopping for her prostetic!

Sending hugs (while jumping up and down in excitement for you)

Kelly xxx
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Akal05
Member
12 years ago
Mum had her follow up yesterday, and pathology results were all clear!! Now she can concentrate on her recovery!! In about 4 weeks we will go and organise her prostetic!! So far so good!! It's such a relief for me as well that she is doing so well!! Thanks Jeanine and Kelly for your kind words!! Michelle xxx
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Akal05
Member
12 years ago
Mum had her follow up yesterday, and pathology results were all clear!! Now she can concentrate on her recovery!! In about 4 weeks we will go and organise her prostetic!! So far so good!! It's such a relief for me as well that she is doing so well!! Thanks Jeanine and Kelly for your kind words!! Michelle xxx
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JeanineG
Member
12 years ago
Hi Michelle

How great that your mum is home and doing well. I hope this is the way her journey will continue, with no pain and lots of good news. Thinking of you both and sending hugs,

xxx

Jeanine
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Akal05
Member
12 years ago
Back again!! Mum had her surgery on Wednesday!! And she came home today!! All went well, so far no pain!! Seeing surgeon on Monday for post op appt!! Hopefully no nasty surprises with pathology results!! Michelle
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DCIS and Mastectomy

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