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DCIS

Annnie
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Hi all, 

Am going for a lumpectomy tomorrow. High grade DCIS. I am unsure yet as to whether I will need to have Radiotherapy but it is a possibility. However, I just wondered what everyone’s recovery was like? I’m exhausted with all the appointments and waiting for biopsy results and feel like I need time off work after all of this! Just wondered, realistically, how long will I need off work. (I work in a very stressful work environment !)
Thanks

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    Hi Annnie, thinking of you now and for tomorrow, your BCN and team will take good care of you. Do take your time to recover, it’s so very different for everyone. Since December I have had a wide local incision followed by a re-incision to ensure clear margins plus a SLNB and each time I needed a good four to five weeks to recover. I found getting comfortable when sleeping tough to begin with each time, lots of pillows and the wee heart shape pillow my BCN gave me were in valuable. Testing which bra to wear is fun, and I must have at least a dozen now to choose from, it felt weird wearing a bra 24/7. The waiting for results is difficult, when you can, do try and make the most of this time to take good care of yourself, and let your nearest and dearest do what they can or need to do too! 
    I am waiting for my first appointment with Oncologist to discuss radiation therapy and endocrine treatment, and decide what’s best for me. So no nearer to getting back to work till at least mid summer me thinks. I am fortunate that I can choose when I return to work and for that I am most grateful. 

  • Offline in reply to Wizbel

    Thank you so much for the quick reply. I had intended to take my time and go with how I feel before making a return to work but I have read that some go back to work within a couple of weeks and it made me panic a little! I really feel like I just need to take some ‘me time’ to process the last few months. 
    I’m terrible at sleeping on my back so I’ve got some pillows and cushions at the ready to help! 
    All the best with the next part of your treatment.

  • Offline in reply to Annnie

    Take care, you’ll know yourself what’s best for you. 
    I found after the first few days I could get to sleep on my back ok and if I woke up snuggled into all my pillows and slept on my good side for short stretches at a time. 

  • Offline in reply to Wizbel

    Take care of yourself too and thanks  

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