New diagnosis of DCIS - what can I expect?

Hi all,

Just been diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma of the left breast in two areas, doctor requested MRI to gather more information on size and to check for anything else.  MRI results came back with just the two areas, 13mm and 8mm, 4cm apart but showing cluster of calcifications so having wide local excision 23rd May to remove with the calcifications and sentinel node, any information regarding recovery, what to expect would be a help or similar stories.

Thanks Lou

  • Hi Lou, sorry to hear about your diagnosis but very good news that they have caught it early. I am part-way through treatment for what they initially thought was invasive ductal carcinoma but turned out to be DCIS with a small amount of invasion. Mine was high grade 3cms. I had a lumpectomy and sentinel node removal to test for any spread (they thought it was invasive at this stage). The surgery was ok and although I had some pain and tiredness, I wasn't bedridden and got full movement back in arm after a couple of weeks. I'm now waiting for radiotherapy which I understand lasts a week (every day) and then hormone tablets for five years. For hospital, front fastening bra and top is a good idea and slip-on shoes. Also, pain killers and water in easy reach at home. Best of luck with the treatment xx

  • Thanks for the reply and nice to meet you although not the best circumstance to meet.  Glad your surgery went well and wasn't too bad, I'm due to have radiotherapy too as long as the results of the calcifications are ok, feeling ok in myself just hate all the waiting. Thanks for the info, most appreciated and hope all goes well with the radiotherapy,  be nice to keep in touch.  Lou xx

  • Thanks Lou, likewise. Yes, there is a lot of waiting! Waiting for results was definitely the worst bit for me as my mind was running away with me. Any questions, do ask! Xx

  • Hi again, just wanted to ask what the recovery time is like after surgery, like how long before you were back to feeling normal for work? Thanks Lou

  • Hi , I was exactly in your position. Diagnosed 14th Feb, a Valentine's Day I won't forget! Surgery 14th April. Results yesterday, clear margins! Just have to wait for radiotherapy now. I'm still sore, I get really frustrated as I thought recovery would of been much quicker. I'm mobile not bed ridden but still very tired and sore. I try to carry on but often nap ! I'm 48 with two grown up children. Never thought it would happen to me but hey ho , we are stronger than we think. 
    Just take things at your own pace. Front fastening bra and plenty of painkillers and rest. I wish you the best of luck xx

  • Clear margins - great news Linz44! 

  • Hi Lou, when I went into hospital, I was given a two-week sick note by the consultant. I was fine to work after that. If I had a job where I could work from home, maybe a week would be doable but like Linz says, you can feel very tired. Driving comfortably after about 10 days.

  • Thanks for the information Linz44 most appreciated, hope all goes well with the radiotherapy,  keep me updated  

    Lou xx

  • Thanks, cancer nurse said usually anything from 2-4 weeks so hopefully not too bad.

  • Hi Lou, hope you're recovering from surgery well!

    I've also recently been diagnosed with DCIS. 

    I'm in my 20's and after years of back and forth to the drs with a persistent clear discharge they sent me for a total duct removal surgery which found high grade dcis, 8cm. I was told I'm most likely to get a mastectomy.

    I've since had a mammogram, several trips for biopsies and bloods. I'm assuming my next upcoming appointment will be to discuss the mastectomy. Though I've never really been clued into why I was receiving further testing when the plan was mastectomy. I'm not worried but I definitely have a tendency to float through life so I'm wondering if anyone has advice on what I should be asking in my upcoming appointment