I had DCIS intermediate grade. Had a lumpectomy but had to have three surgeries to get it all. The third surgery I went to a bigger hospital and they did an MRI. He was also a breat cancer specialist. I wish I would have went to him the first time instead of the first dr. Who was a general surgeon. I am doing the radiation now and am not having any problems. In and out in 10 minutes. Have 4 weeks of treatment. I will not be taking the medicine. Too many side effects. Good luck to you. God bless
Thanks for posting its interesting to see how different dr.consultant /surgeons are im in the UK
but my consultant /surgeon was very reluctant to takethe intiative and [was not emphatic about anything ,in fact she wrote down the medical terms -like papilliary lesions with atypia B3 I spent literally 3months studying or trying to gather info online -im 77yrs.I told her why didnt she just have said DCIS grade 3 -that was a year ago refused radiation for various reasons though now since it came back about a year later -im due to get a mascectomy the end of January-but im swithering as my Anxiety/stress is not good --among other things like havent had much of a life ---i now have another surgeon to proceed with the M-should I go ahead!!!
Thanks for posting its interesting to see how different dr.consultant /surgeons are im in the UK
but my consultant /surgeon was very reluctant to takethe intiative and [was not emphatic about anything ,in fact she wrote down the medical terms -like papilliary lesions with atypia B3 I spent literally 3months studying or trying to gather info online -im 77yrs.I told her why didnt she just have said DCIS grade 3 -that was a year ago refused radiation for various reasons though now since it came back about a year later -im due to get a mascectomy the end of January-but im swithering as my Anxiety/stress is not good --among other things like havent had much of a life ---i now have another surgeon to proceed with the M-should I go ahead!!!
Hello @loryann - I am sorry to hear about your various experiences. I can well imagine the anxiety and stress caused by the situation. I went through similar emotions; most of us have! I am not clear about your diagnosis the first time - Was it DCIS, Grade 3? And what about the diagnosis of the reoccurrence? Did you have a biopsy?
You are NOT alone dear; we all went through similar emotions and really feel for you. We are not Medical Doctors and cannot provide any medical advice, but we can help you perhaps in other ways. Please let us know more about your diagnosis and perhaps we can help you sort through some of the anxiety, stress, and confusion you are bound to feel.
Thank you very much for sharing your story. Was your dcis In situ?
I spoke to my oncology coordinator today. And she said mine is very small they will take a Cube out. I probably
Will get pathology results in 2 weeks.
Hello @sue417 -
I am sorry you were diagnosed with DCIS; I understand your many feelings! I had DCIS on my right breast and had a "Partial Mastectomy" with immediate breast reconstruction (both breasts) in Nov 2019. I didn't want Radiation either; I, too, had Osteopenia. However, I had to do 6 weeks of radiation because some of my margins were not "clear". Following the surgery, the surgeon explained she would have had to cut into my chest muscles to be able to take any additional tissue. During the surgery, she conferred with the radio-oncologist, and they planned not to cut into my chest muscles because the radiation treatment would take care of the residual cancer cells.
My radio-oncologist had me on my belly for each treatment. He was very sure it WOULD be better for me. He explained that there is lesser potential damage to other organs, such as the lungs and the heart (if the radiation is on the LEFT side). The position (on my belly) was not as comfortable, but my goal was to lessen any potential radiation damage. It has been nearly 4 years since my radiation treatments, and things are seemingly going well.
I would highly recommend you talk to your radio oncologist about any other positions or types of radiation treatment. And remember, you can ask for second and third opinions.
I will be thinking about you on 15 Dec. You are NOT alone; we all felt the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty you may be experiencing. We are all going to be with you in spirit.
Thanks for posting its interesting to see how different dr.consultant /surgeons are im in the UK
but my consultant /surgeon was very reluctant to takethe intiative and [was not emphatic about anything ,in fact she wrote down the medical terms -like papilliary lesions with atypia B3 I spent literally 3months studying or trying to gather info online -im 77yrs.I told her why didnt she just have said DCIS grade 3 -that was a year ago refused radiation for various reasons though now since it came back about a year later -im due to get a mascectomy the end of January-but im swithering as my Anxiety/stress is not good --among other things like havent had much of a life ---i now have another surgeon to proceed with the M-should I go ahead!!!
Wishing you all the best of luck on whatever decision you make. Both doctors that I had were very informative and explained everything so that I could understand it better.
Hi @sue417 - The radiation treatment was only on the side with the DCIS (the right side). Your treatment will too!
One thing I was grateful for: Since I had "reconstruction" on BOTH sides to "match" them, the tissue removed from my left breast was also sent to pathology, and it was CLEAR of any cancer. It really made me feel better to know that at least the tissue removed, was free of cancer!
Don't expect the anxiety to go away after the surgery. You are going to feel stressed and anxious for approximately 1 year, maybe longer. Over time, the anxiety will diminish, but it's not really gone; it comes back every time you need to do a new mammogram or MRI. It even has its own name: "scan anxiety".
One thing to remember is that it is OK to not be OK. We all have gone and may be going through these emotions; though each in our own way and time. Don't be afraid to let others know about your emotions. This is a safe place where I am happy to say, you will find people who empathize and understand. There is NO judgment here; no one is going to think any less of you for sharing your fear or anxiety. It's OK to not be OK!
I also had dcis insitu and just completed lumpectomy. Meet with oncologist next week but for same reason as you, will not be doing radiation and probably not hormone treatment either. Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel I am not alone in this decision.
Hi @sue417 - The radiation treatment was only on the side with the DCIS (the right side). Your treatment will too!
One thing I was grateful for: Since I had "reconstruction" on BOTH sides to "match" them, the tissue removed from my left breast was also sent to pathology, and it was CLEAR of any cancer. It really made me feel better to know that at least the tissue removed, was free of cancer!
Don't expect the anxiety to go away after the surgery. You are going to feel stressed and anxious for approximately 1 year, maybe longer. Over time, the anxiety will diminish, but it's not really gone; it comes back every time you need to do a new mammogram or MRI. It even has its own name: "scan anxiety".
One thing to remember is that it is OK to not be OK. We all have gone and may be going through these emotions; though each in our own way and time. Don't be afraid to let others know about your emotions. This is a safe place where I am happy to say, you will find people who empathize and understand. There is NO judgment here; no one is going to think any less of you for sharing your fear or anxiety. It's OK to not be OK!
Hi
Thank you so much for your support and sharing your story
I had a wicked night last night after having pre-op yesterday. I've never had that bad of an anxiety attack. I do have some very good close friends that are helping me and being supportive. And my boyfriend who just finished his cancer treatment it's been a nightmare for him. Is taking away all my supplements that help me sleep and keep me calm has been difficult plus going off. H. R. T . Really appreciate your support.
Hi @sue417 - The radiation treatment was only on the side with the DCIS (the right side). Your treatment will too!
One thing I was grateful for: Since I had "reconstruction" on BOTH sides to "match" them, the tissue removed from my left breast was also sent to pathology, and it was CLEAR of any cancer. It really made me feel better to know that at least the tissue removed, was free of cancer!
Don't expect the anxiety to go away after the surgery. You are going to feel stressed and anxious for approximately 1 year, maybe longer. Over time, the anxiety will diminish, but it's not really gone; it comes back every time you need to do a new mammogram or MRI. It even has its own name: "scan anxiety".
One thing to remember is that it is OK to not be OK. We all have gone and may be going through these emotions; though each in our own way and time. Don't be afraid to let others know about your emotions. This is a safe place where I am happy to say, you will find people who empathize and understand. There is NO judgment here; no one is going to think any less of you for sharing your fear or anxiety. It's OK to not be OK!
Hi @sue417 - I know your level of fear and anxiety must be very high. Your surgery is coming up! It's that way for most, if not all of us!
I use a few strategies to manage those emotions. The first thing I do is take a few deep breaths and think about what I am feeling and why. Am I afraid or anxious? Is it because of the surgery? Then I give myself "permission" to feel fear ... or anxiety - I would have to be crazy not to be afraid ... it's normal to be afraid. It's OK to feel that. Sometimes that is enough to snap myself out of my state of fear or anxiety.
If I need more help, I have done different things at different times - For instance I may run. Physical exercise is very useful when I feel anxious. At other times I may listen to soothing, or very loud music; I may even sing along and dance to the sound of the music. But I may also read, or write about what I am feeling at the moment. The bottom line for me, is to replace that sense of uncertainty and fear, with one where I feel I am back in control of my life and emotions.
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Thanks for posting its interesting to see how different dr.consultant /surgeons are im in the UK
but my consultant /surgeon was very reluctant to takethe intiative and [was not emphatic about anything ,in fact she wrote down the medical terms -like papilliary lesions with atypia B3 I spent literally 3months studying or trying to gather info online -im 77yrs.I told her why didnt she just have said DCIS grade 3 -that was a year ago refused radiation for various reasons though now since it came back about a year later -im due to get a mascectomy the end of January-but im swithering as my Anxiety/stress is not good --among other things like havent had much of a life ---i now have another surgeon to proceed with the M-should I go ahead!!!
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Helpful -
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3 ReactionsHello @loryann - I am sorry to hear about your various experiences. I can well imagine the anxiety and stress caused by the situation. I went through similar emotions; most of us have! I am not clear about your diagnosis the first time - Was it DCIS, Grade 3? And what about the diagnosis of the reoccurrence? Did you have a biopsy?
You are NOT alone dear; we all went through similar emotions and really feel for you. We are not Medical Doctors and cannot provide any medical advice, but we can help you perhaps in other ways. Please let us know more about your diagnosis and perhaps we can help you sort through some of the anxiety, stress, and confusion you are bound to feel.
HUGS,
D.
-
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Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsThank you very much for sharing your story. Was your dcis In situ?
I spoke to my oncology coordinator today. And she said mine is very small they will take a Cube out. I probably
Will get pathology results in 2 weeks.
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Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi
Did you have to have radiation on both sides or just your right side?
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2 ReactionsWishing you all the best of luck on whatever decision you make. Both doctors that I had were very informative and explained everything so that I could understand it better.
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Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHi @sue417 - The radiation treatment was only on the side with the DCIS (the right side). Your treatment will too!
One thing I was grateful for: Since I had "reconstruction" on BOTH sides to "match" them, the tissue removed from my left breast was also sent to pathology, and it was CLEAR of any cancer. It really made me feel better to know that at least the tissue removed, was free of cancer!
Don't expect the anxiety to go away after the surgery. You are going to feel stressed and anxious for approximately 1 year, maybe longer. Over time, the anxiety will diminish, but it's not really gone; it comes back every time you need to do a new mammogram or MRI. It even has its own name: "scan anxiety".
One thing to remember is that it is OK to not be OK. We all have gone and may be going through these emotions; though each in our own way and time. Don't be afraid to let others know about your emotions. This is a safe place where I am happy to say, you will find people who empathize and understand. There is NO judgment here; no one is going to think any less of you for sharing your fear or anxiety. It's OK to not be OK!
HUGS,
D.
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1 ReactionWell, had hiccup. Turns out they only got within 1mm of clear margin so either surgery or radiation next! Ugh!!!
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2 ReactionsHi
Thank you so much for your support and sharing your story
I had a wicked night last night after having pre-op yesterday. I've never had that bad of an anxiety attack. I do have some very good close friends that are helping me and being supportive. And my boyfriend who just finished his cancer treatment it's been a nightmare for him. Is taking away all my supplements that help me sleep and keep me calm has been difficult plus going off. H. R. T . Really appreciate your support.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi
What do you do to get a grip on the fear and anxiety when it hits out of no where?
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3 ReactionsHi @sue417 - I know your level of fear and anxiety must be very high. Your surgery is coming up! It's that way for most, if not all of us!
I use a few strategies to manage those emotions. The first thing I do is take a few deep breaths and think about what I am feeling and why. Am I afraid or anxious? Is it because of the surgery? Then I give myself "permission" to feel fear ... or anxiety - I would have to be crazy not to be afraid ... it's normal to be afraid. It's OK to feel that. Sometimes that is enough to snap myself out of my state of fear or anxiety.
If I need more help, I have done different things at different times - For instance I may run. Physical exercise is very useful when I feel anxious. At other times I may listen to soothing, or very loud music; I may even sing along and dance to the sound of the music. But I may also read, or write about what I am feeling at the moment. The bottom line for me, is to replace that sense of uncertainty and fear, with one where I feel I am back in control of my life and emotions.
Hope this helps!
D.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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