newbie diag with DCIS

Hi Drea
I know you are drea. We have all been there, but, it does get better. It just takes some time for it to all sink in.

I had a lumpectomy and radiation treatments. Many here have had a mastectomy and can reply better to you if you have questions about that.

You have found a great group of sisters in pink that will support, help and encourage you with any treatment that you may have.


Good luck,

Angie

Bomarded at First
Hi Drea!

So sorry you are here but this board is a great place for comfort, support and info. I had a masectomy 2 1/2 years ago. I didn't do reconstruction - I just didn't want to deal with more doctors and surgeries at the time and I knew I could change my mind at a later date.
There are lots of others who have made the decision for reconstruction and others who are like me. It's such a personal decision. My age probably had a lot to do with it - I was 58 and my husband and I have been married well over 30 years - if I had been younger and single - who knows. I seriously don't think anyone can tell which of my boobs is fake and which is real (as long as I'm dressed!!!).

All I can tell you is try and get as much info as you can and then go with what feels right for YOU!

There will be light at the end of the tunnel. Hugs, Sally

Welcome Drea
I'm sorry for the reason you are here but I 'm glad you found us. I was Dx last May, I know how overwhelmed you are right now. It will level out. The more you learn the easier it will get. And the wealth of knowledge you will get here will help immensely. Read back post. I did and i can't tell you how much that helped me. I am having a mastectomy late this year after chemo, and then after surgery I have Radiation 6 weeks. I have decided not to have reconstruction. I am 52 years old and it just isn't that important to me. Plus I don't want to go through the extra surgery's. That is always a personal choice. Try and keep your spirits up it helps. You will get stronger every day. And we are all here what ever you need Information, advise, guidance, just to vent, A ear any time at all. You got us. Take care {{{HUGS}}} Kay

Hi Drea & welcome. I so
Hi Drea & welcome. I so agree with the comment to consult a plastic surgeon to see what your reconstruction options are. I had a double mastectomy in July with immediate reconstrution & do not regret anything about my decision. Please feel free to contact me with any questions if you'd like We're here with you.
*hugs*
Heather

cejota said:

Full circle.....
Hi Drea,
I was diagnosed at the end of October last year....I had a double mastectomy and chemo. Just after my mastectomy, I saw the plastic surgeon who my sister had gone to. (There are five of us gals in my family who have had diagnosis.)In June I had the expanders put in. I've had several fills since then and now I have the coolest silver short curly hair and will have my exchange on Thursday! Having seen the PS so early on really helped me to plan and prepare for the immediate future. Same as Heather, I have no regrets. (I'm ONLY 52!) I have to say, looking back on this year, I never thought I could have done this fight. But I did and I'm a stonger, better and more compationate person for it! You, too, will get to the end of your circle!
hugs,
cj

Hi Drea
I was diagnosed July 2009 (it took them 2 months to confirm it was cancer) and then they immediately scheduled a masectomy of that breast the next week, so I had no chance to think about reconstruction at the same time. After the surgery, and meeting with the oncologist, I learned that at my age, and with my demographics, there was a likelihood of the cancer recurring in my other breast spontaniously at some point in the future, so I contacted a plastic surgeon, discussed everything with her, and once I knew I didn't have to do chemo, I went in, had the other breast removed and began reconstruction at that time. The expanders were in from October 2009 to April 2010, when they were replaced with implants. I am happy with the results, and it's been a really long, hard year, but now all I have left to do is a final "touch-up" surgery at the end of this year, and I'll be all done. I don't regret the decision either.

ladyg said:

I am sorry
because of the reason you are here but you have come to a great place. I cannot help with your question since I only had a lumpectomy. I just wanted you to know that being sacred and confused is a "normal" reaction. You have a lot of sisters and support here for you.

Hugs

Welcome! You have been
Welcome! You have been given good advice from those that have had a mastectomy. We are here to support you through your surgery and treatments. Please keep us updated and wishing you good luck!

Welcome Drea. you have found
Welcome Drea. you have found a group who truly understands because we have either been thru it, or going thru it. We are all ages and all stages but we are sisters who are willing to share our ups and our downs. We are here 24/7 Welcome there is a wealth of knowledge on these boards.

DCIS also
I totally understand your fear and overwhelmed feeling. So many decisions. I was diagnosed with DCIS in right breast March 2010 but decided on double mastectomy due to 4 biopsies in right breast and higher risk of occurence in left. Also my mom had ovarian cancer which also elevated my risk. I did have immediate reconstruction and have one more fill session and hopefully exchange surgery soon. This has been a great place to get honest truthful answers. I will keep you in my prayers as you make your choices but in the end the decision has to be yours. As for being confused, sad and scared -- we have all been there. It does get better with time.