HRT withdrawal after DCIS diagnosis
Hi there. Just this week had my DCIS diagnosis and am reeling - totally out the blue. All moving very fast so wanted to ask the community about HRT. I have been told to just stop it immediately. Im peri and been on it 18 months or so. Really concerned all my symptoms will just come back. Can anyone give any advice or perspective if they have had to do this and what has happened to them?Newly diagnosed DCIS
Hi folks - I just got my diagnosis this morning and am going through ALL of the emotions. Seeing my GP on Monday for referral to a surgeon, but this site is huge - any suggestions for where to start? My treatment is likely to be a lumpectomy - hopefully with no radiation treatment but that’s a possibility. Unlikely to be chemo. Details are that it’s an intermediate grade ductal carcinoma in situ with focal comedonecrosis and calcifications (7mm x 4mm x 6mm). ER positive, PR positive. Both auxiliary lymph nodes normal.
Avoiding radiotherapy
Hi, are there any community members here that have avoided radiotherapy and then regretted it later? or vice versa. I had a very small pre cancer, which was non-invasive and I'm in my 40s. I am anxious about radiotherapy (long term effects) and though its the standard treatment (because the precancer was high grade), I am not totally comfortable with it, but perhaps that is normal? Any insights appreciated.
Newly diagnosed with DCIS - starting the rollecoaster
Hi all, I live in Geelong. I'm 41. Single mum to a 13yo son, co-parent 50%. I was diagnosed with DCIS estrogen+ on the 14th Feb. Luckily is stage 0, which eases my worries a bit. My mum and sister had stage 2, and they are in remission. So this gives me hope and keeps me positive. I am not scared of the surgery or radiotherapy...but just have lots of doubts of how is the process going to affect my ability to concentrate on my phd and thesis writing and my ability to work (part time teacher, looking for change in career). I'm considering taking an intermission from my phd, but I don't know for how long, and how I am going to support myself financially. Did anyone kept working or studying through the treatment? I'm a planner....but this doesn't have a timeline...and I think I just have to take a day at the time. I don't have a date for surgery and radiotherapy yet...I don't know how long is going to go for and how I am going to feel.....My guess is just go with the flow.....
Wound care/protection post-surgery
Hi everyone, This is my first post so a little introduction: After a routine mammogram I was diagnosed with DCIS high grade, 6mm in right breast which was removed two weeks ago. I was offered and opted for a therapeutic mammaplasty through the public healthcare systerm; and I had a matching breast reduction in the left breast at the same time (I'm only 160cm tall and my large breasts have caused me a great deal of shoulder/back pain so I jumped at the opportunity to have them reduced - silver lining). I'm a candidate for DCISionRT with my consulting appointment this Thursday, which will help decide whether I undergo radiation therapy. Tomorrow I will remove the hypertape from the wounds and was wondering if I should use a moisturiser on the wound so early? I currently use CeraVe Smoothing Cream on my skin (recommended by a dermatologist as I have very dry skin). It's a small thing, but I'm wondering if other women experienced irritation from the bra in those first days/weeks when the hypertape is removed and the scars are exposed; and if so, how you dealt with it. Thanks so much. I love that this forum exists xAdvice please
Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with DCIS in December, following a regular mammogram. The core needle biopsy indicated that it was only 3mm. I had surgery the week before last to remove it, but unfortunately the pathology showed that it was actually 35mm, and a clear margin hadn’t been taken. I had an MRI on Friday, which I’m hoping will provide further information for the next surgery. My surgeon has indicated that I will lose the nipple, and suggested that I may consider a mastectomy with reconstruction. I have to say that this has taken me by surprise, because it’s nothing like I thought I was dealing with. I’m trying to wait for the MRI results before worrying too much, but I feel that I need to understand my options, and the future implications of partial versus full mastectomy. Has anyone else been in the same position? Are there any specific questions you suggest I ask at my appointment with my surgeon this week? Any suggestions will be appreciated!
Young mum diagnosed IDC and DCIS.
Hello! Im 37 and was recently diagnosed in November with early breast cancer - IDC (ER+, PR+, Her2-) and then following my surgery they also discovered DCIS. Plan is chemotherapy starting tomorrow and then mastectomy/recon 4-6 weeks post surgery! Looking for advice on: 1. What to take with me to chemotherapy tomorrow (will be there approx 5 hours as will be trying scalp cooling). Also what do people wear when using ice gloves/boots/cold cap? 2. Any advice on TC chemo and how you tolerated it (I’m doing 4 cycles). 3. Any tips on managing chemotherapy with 3 children aged between 3-7yrs and a husband who works long hours but very supportive. Thanks so much!High Grade DCIS
Hello all, fortunately after listening to a podcast this morning, I have found this site, thank goodness! Due to having dense breast tissue, I believe my DCIS has been missed previously, only MPO, but with my nipple showing signs of inversion from February 2023, and sporadic nipple leakage since then, I've had mammograms and ultrasound, plus saw a specialist in April 2024 but no diagnosis, no sign of a problem, until November 24. Ultrasound found a lump behind my nipple, however MRI has found a 7cm x 3 cm x 2 cm mass! What was to be a small lumpectomy is now going to be a Mastectomy, and I am in shock. I've had 4 biopsies now and all show DCIS, will have lymph nodes biopsied at time of surgery to check I'm clear, which I'm hoping for. I was originally under Dr Chris Pyke in Brisbane but he is retiring, and has referred me to Dr Emma Clarkson, at Mater, has anyone experienced her before? I'm not having another consultation until Jan 6th, and am feeling that I've had this diagnosis and been left to deal with it without any advice of communication, is this usual? I suppose that's why I'm here, I am looking for support. I've just been told I'm to lose a breast, and my GP actually said, you didn't have breasts before you were 11, you'll get used to not having them!! WTF!! I said to her, I have had my breasts for 45 years, I'd rather keep them! I want to scream!! Thanks for listening, I do understand there are so many in a worse position than me, I really do. I appreciate you being here and sharing your stories, advice and ears. Xx. Paula
