Newly Diagnosed - DCIS

hondagirl

Hello All - I have recently been diagnosed with DCIS in the right breast. I am 35 yrs old and went for my first base line mam. on 9/5/07. Within the next 2hrs, the nurse took 2 more pics of my breast, I then went for an ultrasound for a suspicious mass, a DR then told me he was concerned about the "lesion" in my breast and suggested a biopsy. From there I found myself in a surgeons office, under another ultrasound, and 4 core biopsies were taken. I was called 2 days later while at work and told the biopsies were positive for cancer, 9/7/07. I saw a surgeon the following Mon and he told me it was DCIS, however he said because of the shape of the mass, he was suspicious that it may have spread. I had an MRI done on 9/18/07, and will be seeing a radiologist on 9/21/07. After that, I'll be going to another surgeon for a second opinion. I'm still not sure what the actual result of everything is yet, I'm hoping the radiologist will answer many of my questions. My husband and I have been doing alot of reading, and are overwhelmed at this point. We are both very scared, and are anxious to hear the MRI report. My husband has been absolutely wonderful through this, he truly is my rock, my soulmate and my best friend. Thank you all for listening to me.

toninasky

Hi Hondagirl,
First let me say that fear is normal, and all of us have felt it. You are much younger than I am, but the beast doesn't play favorites.
The first and most important thing I think I have to say to you is, don't wait too long to have the lump removed, whether by lumpectomy or mastectomy. The only way they can tell if it has spread is to do a biopsy of the lymph nodes, called a sentinel node biopsy. I know that wanting to have more opinions is normal also, but you can't wait too long to make a decision, the cancer will not go away without action on your part. The last thing I want to say is DON'T BE AFRAID, FEAR IS YOUR WORST ENEMY. Oncologists and surgeons will both tell you that positive energy is so much better than negative. I too had a very supportive husband thru both surgery for a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, and thru all of the chemo and radiation. I worked thru it all, and I am now 1 year plus 3 months free. My cancer was stage 2, it had spread to 1 lymph node out of 15. Ask for a PET Scan.
Be sure to ask every question you and your husband have about the cancer and your treatment. This is your body and you have the right to know exactly what is going to occur.
Also, keep in touch with the American Cancer Society Oncology nurses. They will answer many of the questiions you have. Go to the experts like them with questions. Lastly stay in touch with this site. It is very supportive. Everyone cares a great deal.

Blessings,
Toni

KathiM

Welcome, dearheart, altho I wish we didn't have to meet this way.

Good for you that you are seeking 2nd opinion! If for no other reason than to give you more confidence in the treatment course. Beliving in your treatment is a MUST!

Please keep us posted as the progress begins. This is a great group here, and there are many who will make you feel comforted. One gal here actually made me feel just fine about my bald head.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer 12/04. Treated with chemo,rads, surgery. 6 months later (08/05), diagnosed with primary site (non related) stage 2 breast cancer. Treated with lumpectomy, chemo, rads. Currently NED (No Evidence of Disease), the closest thing they will get to 'Cured' for the first 5 years.

Stay close here...we all, together, have probably have every symptom in the book...just ask for help. We collectively are the best 'tumor board' around!!!

Realize this is a journey, and think of something to focus on 6 months from now that you can treat yourself with. I went to a spa for 3 days. Just me...

Hubby has a spot here, too....'caregivers' discussion board...that's another I lurk in...sigh...3 I have...my sister just finished treatment for anal cancer, my mom is a double survivor with breast and endometrial...

Hugs, Kathi

jackiemanz

Welcome. Let me tell you what you are feeling is normal. I was diagnosed 8 months ago with LCIS at the age of 40 and had a Bilateral Mastectomy done. My husband was my rock to but know that what you are going through and feeling so is he and he'll probably need someone to talk to also and this is the place to come to. The people here are great and can answer any question you or your husband may have. Please keep us informed.

lynne502

Hi Hondagirl - I'm so sorry but glad that you found this site (you know what I mean). First of all - breathe - that was the most helpful piece of information I was given five months ago when I was diagnosed with my Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma. Once I was able to get my deep breaths back, it calmed me down considerably. Have you seen an oncologist yet? I know that surgery is the usual jumping off point, but my oncologist suggested chemo first because of the tumor size. After the second chemo, my tumor could not longer be felt. I'm still going to have a mastectomy in three weeks, but in my case chemo came first. You will get through this - I'm also waiting for my MRI report - it seems like every time you're waiting for a medical report a weekend seems to roll around and bring everything to a halt. Remember that you are so not alone in this - Keep in touch.

Skybuf

jackiemanz said:

Welcome. Let me tell you what you are feeling is normal. I was diagnosed 8 months ago with LCIS at the age of 40 and had a Bilateral Mastectomy done. My husband was my rock to but know that what you are going through and feeling so is he and he'll probably need someone to talk to also and this is the place to come to. The people here are great and can answer any question you or your husband may have. Please keep us informed.

Hi Jackie, I would like to address you about your bilateral mastectomy, I had a L breast mastectomy Dec 05, chemo and rads....now seeing dr's regarding reconstruction, I have come to the conclusion (for me) I will have another mastectomy on R side in Jan and be done with the heavy weight prostethesis...are you dealing well with yours? My hubby is on board with whatever I decide, I want to wear smaller ones and less pulling on my back, any suggestions?

Skybuf

Hi there, we are here for you, we have been down that narrow road and there IS light at the end. I had the same as you only 17 nodes were malignant and I'm still here to testify of it. I know where your at and fully understand your anxiety, but like the gals say, be positive and think nothing but the best for yourself, goes a long way in your recovery time.
God bless

chenheart

Succinctly said: "What she said"! LOL I say that we are all on this rollercoaster together, there are no seatbelts, there is oil on the tracks, and its starting to rain. So you know what we do? We hold on to each other for dear life! That's what this place is, a place with Kindred Spirits to fill in the gaps between hubby,family and friend support. We are with you, hondagirl! Take the advice given, know you are in good company, and that YOU too will soon be giving survival advice to the ones who follow you in here.
Hugs,
Claudia

Unknown

Welcome hondagirl:
As you see, we are here for you. This is gonna be hard as I am sure you know, but hun, it is so DOABLE. I was first diagnosed over 21 years ago. There is life after cancer and even during cancer. You are fortunate to have such good support in your hubby and others I am sure. But there's nothing like chatting with those like us who have been there and done that and I hope you will come to us whenever you feel the need. God bless.

Unknown

Skybuf said:

Hi Jackie, I would like to address you about your bilateral mastectomy, I had a L breast mastectomy Dec 05, chemo and rads....now seeing dr's regarding reconstruction, I have come to the conclusion (for me) I will have another mastectomy on R side in Jan and be done with the heavy weight prostethesis...are you dealing well with yours? My hubby is on board with whatever I decide, I want to wear smaller ones and less pulling on my back, any suggestions?

Hello Sky.
Wanted to comment on mastectomies:
I had first radical mast in 86. Debated whether to have other side 'done' and decided not to. Then in 88 was dx on other side so lost that one too. But for almost 2 years I had one 'real' breast and one 'fake'. I did not like it. After having second mast it was all so much easier. I think you will be happy with what you are doing. I did not have any reconstruction and find that for me it is simply not an issue any longer. We each need to do what feels right for us personally and I support you whole heartedly. God bless.

pattymac

I wish you the very best. Do not be scared of your MRI. - It is your best friend now - it the the doctors roadmap in seeing how to treat you the most effective and accurate way possible. Hold your relationship with your husband as close as possible and you will grow even closer together than you think possible. Remember you are not alone.....there are so many of us who have been right there. Bless you.

coug90

Hi Hondagirl,

Your story sounds so similar to mine! Just get the lump out NOW! They can play with it in a petri dish. Either way, they've caught it so early you are going to be just fine. I was dx at 36... I'm now 39 and after surgery and rads I'm doing great. Sorry you have to join this group, but we're a great support system. If you want, you can look my story up on my page - Coug90 is my user name, or 'Through the looking glass' is another way to find me. (Thats the title of my page.) Anyway, feel free to contact me if you need/want to chat/vent or other!

Good luck. God Bless!

Sharon

bev49

Dear Hondagirl,
First, you have the wonderful support of your husband, and second, you found this discussion board where you will always find additional support that is so helpful. I only wish I had found this site while I was going through those emotions, fears, and anxiety. I know it is so much to deal with all at once, it is overwhelming, but your Dr.s will answer your questions, and you will find that inner strength that so many of us didn't know we had, and once that happens, it all becomes a little easier to deal with. Courage is buried inside each of us, and once we tap into it, we can face anything...anything! You will do just fine, and be amazed at yourself on how strong you actually are. This sisterhood that we belong to is part of that strenght and courage, and together we keep each other filled with knowledge, laughter, compassion, and encouraging words. Take it one day at a time, that is the best attitude to have. Take care, keep in touch, and remember we are all here for you.
God Bless,
bev49

Skybuf

Lord today Hondagirl is seeing the Radiologist, give her comfort and peace throughout this visit Give the doctors wisdom. Help her with any dicision she has to make. Bless everyone that visits this site I pray, amen
(hope I don't offend anyone by praying for her and us)

babs49242

Skybuf said:

Lord today Hondagirl is seeing the Radiologist, give her comfort and peace throughout this visit Give the doctors wisdom. Help her with any dicision she has to make. Bless everyone that visits this site I pray, amen
(hope I don't offend anyone by praying for her and us)

Thank you for lifting Hondagirl and us up in prayer. what a wonderful thing to do.
Prayers for all!
Cindie

pmillr2000

Biopsy confirmed my DCIS in August of last year. I spent the better part of that month getting 2nd & 3rd opinions, carrying my pathology report around with me, googling every single word in it, to see what kind of scarey information was out there for me. I carried a notebook around and made lists of all kinds of questions to ask every doctor I saw. I'm sure I drove everyone that came in contact with me crazy. Then, I spent Labor Day weekend at a quiet campground with my hubby, and my sister (who is also my best friend), discussing and cussing options, crying and laughing and making decisions. On September 19th, I had a left mastectomy, 8 lymph nodes removed, ALL CLEAR, no chemo, no rads, Tamoxifen for 5 years and that's it!!!!! I'm telling you all that to tell you, use whatever resources you have to come to a decision that is right for YOU. We're all different, our situations are different, what's right for us is different. But we're all here with a common thread, and we're here for each other!

ladybluepgh

pmillr2000 said:

Biopsy confirmed my DCIS in August of last year. I spent the better part of that month getting 2nd & 3rd opinions, carrying my pathology report around with me, googling every single word in it, to see what kind of scarey information was out there for me. I carried a notebook around and made lists of all kinds of questions to ask every doctor I saw. I'm sure I drove everyone that came in contact with me crazy. Then, I spent Labor Day weekend at a quiet campground with my hubby, and my sister (who is also my best friend), discussing and cussing options, crying and laughing and making decisions. On September 19th, I had a left mastectomy, 8 lymph nodes removed, ALL CLEAR, no chemo, no rads, Tamoxifen for 5 years and that's it!!!!! I'm telling you all that to tell you, use whatever resources you have to come to a decision that is right for YOU. We're all different, our situations are different, what's right for us is different. But we're all here with a common thread, and we're here for each other!

welcome hondagirl. I'm new to this site also but recently I was diagnosed with DCIS and invasive ductal carcinoma. Because my cancer was recurrent I was advised that my only choice was a mastectomy which I had on sept 13th. Presently waiting for the soreness to go away and waiting for the docs to decide if I am going to have chemo. I feel like I have truly found a network of sisters here. God bless each and every one of you. Thank you for the advice and my prayers go out to you hondagirl..Keep a positive attitude.