@prc73 I was diagnosed with high grade 3 DCIS stage 1 with invasive carcinoma in August 22. Had a lumpectomy with 2 lymph nodes & 20 doses of radiation. 72% estrogen - 2% pro. HR negative. My ki-67 score was 46, but no Oncotype results as my invasive carcinoma was removed during the biopsy so the lab said too small a sample.

The recovery from the lumpectomy was okay, compression garments & ice packs helped and not doing things too soon. Sleeping with a U-shaped pregnancy pillow saved my life for getting good rest, highly recommend one. (I loaned mine to my friend who just had a double mastectomy, she can’t imagine recovery without one!)
The fatigue with radiation didn’t start to edge into my life until middle of the 2nd week.. hitting a wall in the afternoon just put my on the sofa. Used extra large loose fitting tank tops around the house & under sweatshirts when I went in public. Skin was like a bad sunburn, the prescription cream helps a lot as does Aquaphor, that stuff is miraculous! Nipple turned black as ash, no kidding, then peeled. I religiously put the Aquaphor on twice a day and my skin recovered like I never had radiation. I had/have nerve pain & breast tenderness though finished radiation in December 22. Surgeon says part of it is inflammation of the cartilage on my ribs, still recovering from radiation. Can be up to 2 years after radiation for the nerves to mend completely for some. Daily exercises got all my mobility back in that right arm.

Cancer just takes a lot out of you no matter which avenue you go down. One day at a time and when you do make a decision, try to let it go and move on to the next decision. You can only make the best decision at that moment with the information you have. Hang in there, you will find your strength no matter what you choose.

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