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DiscussionHow do you cope with a new diagnosis of breast cancer?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 12, 2023 | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "There is probably no right or wrong way to get through it all. Also I agree..."
I did the same thing but my diagnosis came right before Christmas and my holiday binging went on for another month. I had DCIS and wanted to be as conservative as possible. First surgery after biopsy, MRI and then a second MRI and biopsy was a lumpectomy to be followed with radiation and Estrogen hormone blockers for 5 years. MRI showed a significant area of 9 by 7 by 2 cm. Initial mammogram showed 2 and 4 mm lesions. My surgeon was accommodating and advised the pathology will determine the outcome. (Sometimes the area of concern doesn't always mean cancer) She took an area over 8 by 6 cm. Three margins were clear, three were not. It was all DCIS grade 3. The area was on the top of the breast so the larger site (being over 5 cm was doable). I scheduled for a double mastectomy with sentinel nodes and reconstruction.(silicone implants, lesser recovery than other options) I had a two month wait and the waiting it out is the hardest part! Surgery was done. Still had 1.5 cm of DCIS in the pathology but margins and nodes were clear. I just had a three week follow-up, I do not need to have any radiation, chemo or estrogen blocking therapy. I will have to monitor with MRI's at 5 years. At almost 65.75 years I am perky and feeling very grateful. I have leaned on friends(who I brought to my consults) and my husband. Not feeling 100 percent but I am improving day by day. Prayers for all going through the journey. I am lucky and blessed.