Newly diagnosed DCIS

Just saying hello and introducing myself. I originally joined as my husband had cancer. Sadly, he came to the end of his cancer journey 18 months ago.

So, now it's my turn!

I was recalled after my most recent mammogram as they'd found calcifications.  Following a mammogram guided biopsy (that was a fun experience  - not!) DCIS was diagnosed. I had a wide local excision a week ago, and go for follow up and histology results in a week's time. 

I do feel a bit of a fraud, as its not an invasive cancer (unless results show otherwise, but I've no reason to think they will), but that doesn't stop the niggling worries and the anxiety of waiting for results. I was really quite relaxed about it, until I read of so many people who have needed further excision as margins were not clear. Suddenly, what I'd thought of as a nice 'easy-to-treat' condition seems not necessarily so easy, at all!  I know that the biopsy showed both intermediate and high grade DCIS, but as the area is small, I'm obviously hoping surgery will be sufficient,  although I do understand  that radiotherapy might be needed.

So, I'm playing the waiting game. Wish me luck!

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  • I had the highest grade DCIS after a routine mammogram, and results due soon, but a month after surgery, so it's been quite a wait. I also feel a fraud, as my cancer is treatable and I keep getting people telling me about people they know that had the same and are fine. 

    But, this is happening to me and I don't feel fine and I just want a cuddle. 

    I am expecting radiotherapy...but no idea until results day, post-surgery. 

    Sending you lots of love xx

  • Hi Hannah,

    Thank you so much for replying. My biopsy had intermediate and high-grade cells, so I was definitely expecting radiotherapy at the very least. However, just to show that positive things can and do happen, when I went for my post-op results and follow-up, there were NO cancer cells left in the tissue they removed. I thought I had misheard the Consultant! He thinks that as it was so small when they saw it on the scan they must have removed it all when they biopsied.

    I have never considered myself to be an especially 'lucky' person - but I definitely do now!

    Sending virtual hugs and cuddles as you wait - the waiting really is stressful - and hoping for a positive outcome for you, too. xx

  • Hi again Hattie8

    I’ve just read your reply to Hannah and realised that the biopsy removed the cancer cells. That is such good news!

    I hope you’re recovering well from your operation.

    X

  •   , thank you! I was stunned to be honest! Delighted, obviously, but, being me, I have that niggling 'what if they missed it,' which I know is daft!

    Recovering very well, thank you.

    Hope your treatment and recovery is going well, too. x

  • Hi Hattie8

    It’s lovely to hear that you’re doing so well!

    I completely understand your niggling doubt though. That does make sense. Hopefully that doubt will get less as each day goes by.

    Also thank you for kind wishes

    Take care

    X

  • Hi Hattie,

    I am so sorry to hear about your husband and of what you've been through.  The fear of recurrence, is something than anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis has, and this is something that we gradually come to terms with. As someone who has had 2 bouts of breast cancer, within a year of one another, I just want to reassure you, that your care team will monitor you annually, for 5 years after diagnosis. I found it difficult to cope for the first few years after monitoring stopped, but it has now been 14 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life.

    I'm delighted to hear that the cancer was so small that it was removed via biopsy. Are you going to have any further treatment or not? Do please keep in touch and let us know how how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine,

    I'm incredibly lucky. No adjuvant treatment,  just annual mammograms for five years! 

    It is wonderful to read that you've been cancer free for 14 years, especially after two occurrences in such a short time frame; you must have been so stressed.

    Thank you for such a positive message.

    Stay well,

    H x

  • Hi Hattie,

    The early days of diagnosis are certainly the hardest. I am delighted that you don't have to have any further treatment. Fortunately, your mammogram did it's work and caught your cancer early,

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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