Recently diagnosed and have no idea what's in store
Hello there, I was diagnosed with High Grade DCIS in mid June this year. So far it is only in my right breast. It's on the right side of this breast, but a recent MRI showed an unknown area on the left side. I am having a US/MR biopsy on this side next week. I am in the public system and extremely grateful for the treatment I have received this far. I still have no idea what's in store. I am very mindful that time is precious to our medical staff and there are other patients who need treatment now, I haven't asked too many questions on the basis that my treatment is undecided. I was informed by the surgeon that there's two paths, lumpectomy, radiation and hormone blockers or mastectomy. When I asked about the radiation it was explained that you go get it, for a small amount of time each day for a few weeks, then you go about your normal life. When I asked about the hormone blockers, (I am post menopausal, but suffered, and lived with, as you have to, quite severe symptoms through perimenopause for the last 10 years) I was told the dose is really small and I will be fine. Okay, sounds good, too good to be true, but I will take that on board. I am terrified to have a mastectomy. I am very aware that I am luckier than a lot of people and having access to all of these services is amazing. I do have frustration, I look normal and feel normal, but that will all change soon. I feel guilty that I have stage 0 breast cancer whilst others are so much worse off. I work, I have good support around me. I have only told my immediate family (husband & 2 kids who are in their 20s and my brother) and my 2 bosses, they have all been very supportive. I guess I also feel a bit confused and stupid because I really don't know what is going to happen and don't have answers to questions they have. I don't go down the Dr Google path as that just messes with my brain. I am lucky that I've never really been sick in life, so navigating the hospital appointments and communication is a new challenge for me. I also try and distract myself, not ignoring it, it's always there, but I can't let it consume me. Sorry for rambling, I know I will be okay, just writing something down and getting stuff off my chest. I've been a bit scared too up until now. Thank you if you read this far. Onwards and upwards 😘