Hi Tobyjr

I was diagnosed with high-grade DCIS in 2018, I was told around 15% of patients will undergo further surgery for margin clearance, and unfortunately, I was one of them. It took 3 months after my first op to have my second for margin clearance. 

I found my cancer treatment was not set in stone and there were many twists and turns. I found it impossible to plan anything.

I understand the need to control some part of your life and work provides an anchor but cancer treatment can be exhausting. Be kind to yourself and try not to overdo it. x

Hi Tobyjr,

I would totally agree with Magpiemaggie's summation. My first surgery was 12 years ago. I had a lumpectomy and the pathology results showed that a wide enough margin had not been achieved. However, my surgeon informed me that he had realised this at the time and taken further tissue and, that he had definitely removed enough. A year later I found another lump and was told that I had a second primary in the same breast. This time I ended up with a double mastectomy.

I only had hormone therapy post-operatively, but felt totally washed out for that first year. I literally had no option but to give in to this tremendous fatigue, because I just couldn't work through it. This was diffiult because I was running my own health care business at the time. Everyone is different and some people sail throug treatment, but it is a difficult thing to plan for in advance. I must add that I am now leading a busy and fulfilled life and, still run my own practice, so am forever grateful for all the care and attention that I've had.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

I sincerely hope that all goes well for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine, 

Thank you for your reply. The uncertainty of what's to come  (other than surgery on Wed) is one of the hardest things isn't it? I'm glad to hear things are going well for you now.  For those of you who had radiotherapy did you manage to work while having it? 
TobyJr

Hi Tobyjy,

It is the unknown that is scary. I think that the answer to your radiotherapy question is that some do, but others don't.

I hope that the surgery goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thank you  

Hi, 

I am now 9 days post WLE and the scar is healing well. I am still getting dizzy spells and kind of a fuzzy head. Spoke to the BCN and she said she didn't think it would be to do with the surgery and to phone GP to check iron levels. Spoke to GP who was very dismissive saying I'd had a very small op and that wouldn't cause aneamia or interfere with the thyroxine I take. Feeling a bit low to be honest and not myself at all. Tried to explain that to the GP who said it was very vague. Just wondered if anyone else felt this way after surgery and how long it took to pass? 
Thanks 

TobyJr

Hi Jolamine, I just finished five days of radiotherapy for high grade DCIS ..don't know how much radiotherapy you are having but I was able to carry on as normal throughout , hope this helps and best wishes to you x