Thank you.

I unfortunately cry at the drop of a hat.  I'll prob be gone as soon as I push the door open knowing me!!! 

I know a bad diagnosis is never good at any age.  I have just turned 44.  It's the thought of my 2 kiddies (6 & 9) having to share whatever journey this turns out to be with me. And having a daughter of my own, if it is bad news  worrying that she is more high risk with both me and my mother (diagnosed at 63 yrs old) having had it too.

We only lost my dad to cancer on 21st may this year so this just feels like a bit too much on my plate so to speak.

I will let you know how I get on on Monday and th as NK you again for your words and support.

X

Awhh *hugs* to you, what an awful time - so sorry you lost your dad. 

Lets wait and see what the results are and I'll keep everything crossed for you x

Thank you x

Hi tbt,

I am so glad to hear that you are getting your results on Monday. Magpiemaggie is right. Once you know what you are dealing with, it will be so much easier to cope with. Have you been told not to bring anyone with you to your appointment? Some hospitals are allowing people to bring one person with them, when they are going for test results. If you haven't already been told not to take anyone, phone the hospital first thing on Monday morning and ask if it is possible to do this?

Make sure that you ask what the calcifications were mixed with this time. It can also be a good idea to write down any questions in advance of your appointment and to take these with you. If there is anything that you don't understand, don't be afraid to ask questions, or to phone your breast care nurse for urther clarification.

I shall be thinking of you on Monday and, hoping for the best.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you.

I have a little notebook and will make a note of some questions and will also ask about what the calcifications are mixed with.

The mental battle is a tough one to win isnt it as I keep looking at my kiddies and fearing the worst.  I'm pretty sure it wont be good news tomorrow (happy to be proved wrong of course) but am hoping that it's a better version of bad if that makes sense.

And just hoping that as this was a chance discovery- that its fate and therefore a lucky find.  Actually went in for an ultrasound about a lump in my right breast- they confirmed a cyst.  But as I'm over 40 they did a mammogram on both sides as well and discovered this area in the left breast.....

Thanks again x x 

Hi,

We all think the worst at this stage, but fortunately this seldom comes to pass. You were fortunate to discover the lump in your other breast, as a result of investigating the cyst in your original breast. I sincerely hope that this means that, if there is anything untoward present, you have caught it quickly because of this.

You are right, the mental battle is a very tough one. It is particularly difficult when you have a young family. Again, we all panic for the welfare of our children at this stage. However, even with a positive diagnosis, many of us can overcome this and, learn to live with it.

You may not have that many questions at the moment, but you will find that you will get more when you know what you are dealing with. Write any questions down in your book as you think of them, then hopefully you won't forget to ask any more questions that are important to you.

If it has to be a bad result tomorrow, I do hope that it is a better version of bad. However, I am still hoping that it will be a good result.

I shall be thinking of you tomorrow and will have my fingers crossed for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you so much for your kind words.  I do appreciate it.

I will post again to let you know the outcome.

X 

Hi ladies

So.....its high grade (grade 3) DCIS.

would rather it had been grade 1 or 2 but there you go, it is what it is.  Need an ultrasound to look at lymph nodes in armpit (said they felt ok during physical exam but needs ultrasound for more insight) then will book in for lumpectomy.  2 weeks quarantine prior to op due to covid.

He didnt seem panicked and said signs were good for it to still be containted in the ducts but stressed that only the pathology would confirm that.  I know there is obviously a chance it has spread but I'm keeping fingers crossed.

Anxiety is much improved following the appt but I know it will creep back in as dates for ultrasound and op become nearer.

Thank you again for your support since my 1st post.

X X

Hi Tbt,

Thank you for the update. I am so sorry that it wasn't better news, but it is still treatable. Here's hoping that your lymph nodes are clear when you have that ultrasound. It sounds hopeful, when they felt ok at your physical examination.

I'm sure that you're not looking forward to having to quarantine for 2 weeks prior to your operation, but you've already done this, so know that it can be done again. I have had a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy and, can assure you that neither were anywhere near as bad as I expected. In fact, I found the double mastectomy easier than the lumpectomy.

Have you any plans to tell the children what you are dealing with and, have you had any genetic testing to see if there is a familial tendency towards cancer? I know how important this is, as I have a daughter too and, wanted to know her chances. The results of these tests usually come back about 2 weeks after the ones you had today.

Thinking of you and always here for you if you want to chat.

You say that your anxiety is much improved following your diagnosis. I know that it's not easy and, you are bound to have darker days. The best way to deal with this is to do so with a positive outlook. Many people on this site have been where you are, and are still here many years after diagnosis.

Still keeping my fingers crossed that there is no lymph node involvment.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi there....I too was diagnosed with high grade DCIS just over two years ago. I had a lumpectomy in January 2018. I was in and out of hospital in the day with very little discomfort or pain.

I then had 15 daily sessions of radiotherapy ( Monday to Friday) over February/March.

What you need to remember is that DCIS is totally contained in the milk duct, is non invasive, not life threatening and is totally treatable. I never lost sight of these facts and my surgeon said I would be cured when the treatment was complete and they don't say that easily with cancer.

I'm now on a patient led follow up programme which means that they don't call for me but they are only at the end of the phone if I have the slightest worry about anything.

I also have the added reassurance of annual mammograms for 5 years.

Get yourself some non wired bras to wear after surgery. They don't need to be expensive. I got mine from Asda and they were under £10 at the time. Wear them while you sleep too until you feel comfortable again.

If you need radiotherapy start preparing your skin as soon as the wound heals. I used Isomol gel which my doctor prescribed but any good double dase cream will do. I had no reaction and my skin only felt a little hot and itchy towards the end of the treatment but soon settled down after.

Good luck with your treatment plan and stay positive. Let us know how you get on.

Wishing you a happy and healthy future.......Irene xxx