Hi there

I’m going tomorrow for a mastectomy as a result of DCIS. My surgeon suggested this as it’s quite a large area and I have quite a small chest. I am not having reconstruction and hopefully will not need further treatment. They will check 1 - 4 lymph nodes too. I’m 52 and this was picked up at my first mammogram in October. I’m a primary music teacher and had 10 nativities to play for before Christmas hence the delay.

S

Good luck tomorrow! Will be thinking of you xxx

Hi Oaktree

Just wondering how you’re getting on?

Sheila

Hi Jolamine,

Very sorry to know about your ordeal to get a proper diagnosis!

In my case it was not bad at all- i was sent for a Mammogram by the ENT Surgeon as a CT scan of chest showed a lump in the neck (originally referred to the Respiratory Clinic for shortness of breath which was found to be due to a rt sided vocal cord palsy) Mammogram showed a small lump 10mm-a biopsy was done at the same time which showed Mucinous carcinoma.

I had a lumpectamy within 2weeks and histology showed extensive DCIS of 60mm.Breast care team were as shocked as I was too.After the histology I was sent for an MRI to check the other side-but I was told it was ok- I am going to have the Mastectamy on the 24th-it all happened within the last 3 months-so in a way I am lucky I guess if what i have been told is true

I am not sure as before the lumpectomy I was told it is just a very small lesion which can be excised and perhaps will only need radiotherapy afterwards.

Now I am  told  I will need further treatment depending on how widespread the DCIS is on the histology after the surgery.

 So I am getting panicky-but cant talk to my family as it will upset them.My son -his wife and little one yr old daughter who I was looking after live with me. I feel bad that I will not be able to do much for her from next week as both the parents are working.

The Nurse did tell me about the softie they will give me as well as the silicon one-I had a feel of it but not sure i noticed the heaviness-My mind was blank at that time.

Your experience and your advice keeps me going and thank you so much for it.

Regards

Radley.

Hi Radley,

I am not surprised that both  you and your care team were shocked to discover such extensive DCIS after your lumpectomy. However, I'm glad that you are all set for your mastectomy on 24th.

Sometimes the pathology results after surgery can show up additiional problems, which can change the whole course of your proposed treatment.

It must be incredibly difficult for you not to share your feelings about all that is happening with your son and daughter-in-law.  The advice usually given is to share everything with your family and to discuss things openly with them. This reduces stress for both of you and, will help both of you through your cancer journey.

How lovely to have a one year old granddaughter. My two are now 7 and 9 and live a long distance away from me. I wish that they were closer. They grow up so quickly too, so make the most of her at this stage.

I shall be thinking of you on 24th and hoping and praying that all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you Jolamine for your concern and support

Regards

Radley

After the mastectomy and sentinel node thing last week I returned to the hospital yesterday for removal of the dressing and pathology results. All good. No further treatment required!

Sheila xx

Hi Sheila,

I am absolutely delighted to hear that your pathology results were clear.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Great news Sheila. You can now concentrate on your recovery.

My very best wishes for a happy and healthy future - Irene xx

Hi Sheila,

Absolutely delighted for you! Hope you celebrated the good news.

I had a lengthy consultation with a plastic surgeon this week and he is confident a lumpectomy is the way to go! I was completely taken aback by this as I thought it was off the table! Just waiting on a call now.

Oaktree x

That’s great! Hopefully it’ll be soon and you won’t be anxious about it for long. 

Thanks to everyone for your good wishes.

Sheila xx

Thar's great news Oaktree.

Keep us posted - irene xx

Thar's great news Oaktree.

Keep us posted - irene xx

Hi-just waiting to be picked up after my lumpectomy yesterday! Feeling good!

Thank you all for you kind words and support.

Oaktree xx

Great news Oaktree. Glad it's all over for you and you're feeling good.

Do you need radiotherapy?

Irene x

Hi Irene

Yes, I will get radiotherapy 

xx

That’s good that it’s over. Have a good rest and let others do all the hard work.

Sheila xx

Hi Oaktree 

Start using a good moisturising cream to prepare your skin for the radiotherapy as soon as your wound has healed.. My doctor prescribed Isomol gel and I still use it now.

I had little reaction to the radiotherapy after using it.

Moisturise, moisturise and moisturise is the order of the day now!!

Thanks Scottie-will do!

How are you doing?

Oaktree xx

Hi Oaktree,

I am just wondering how your lumpectomy went and, how you are feeling now that you are at home.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Oaktree

I’m pretty good thanks. The fluid build up is disappearing and although still a bit uncomfortable it’s not too bad at all. Hope to start driving next week. Am planning on being off school a while yet as there are no ‘light duties’ once you’re back. Doing lots of knitting, reading, family history. out for coffee etc.

Sheila xx

Hi Sheila,

I am glad to hear that you are not rushing back to school too soon.

As you rightly said, 'there are no light duties once you're back'. It also sounds as if you are keeping yourself busy, which helps to pass the time.

You are doing well if you are already planning to start driving again next week. Don't forget to get your doctor's OK to drive before you start (preferably in writing), as some insurance companies can be very sticky if, heaven forbid, you had an accident.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx