Hi  Jolamine,

Thank you so much for your kind, supportive message. It means so much. Sorry for my late response, it's been a rollacoaster since I last posted.

So I had the lumpsectomy on 21st November and they confirmed it was DCIS grade 1, they managed to remove it although some cells will remain as it was so close to the chest wall so I'm meeting the oncologist on Friday and am looking at 3 weeks of radiotherapy which I can deal with.

They then want to put me on Tamoxifen which puts the fear of god in me! Is this something you opted for and got on with?

I am so sorry that you had to go through so much with the return of the cancer only a year after. It must of been so traumatic after having gone through so much already.

I feel like it's all happened so quickly that I'm now processing the reality and all the emotions come in waves.

I'm so happy you are now in a good place and thank you again for being so kind xxx

Hi Lf2024,

I'm glad to hear that your surgery went well. It is good news that your DCIS was grade 1, although a pity that they couldn't remove all of the cells, as they were so close to the cell walls. We hear so much adverse publicity about different treatments, but the truth is that we all react individually and some people have no trouble at all.

I developed a lump in my other breast within 6 months of my initial surgery. I had some difficulty in getting my surgeon to test this breast and this wasn't done, until I changed to another surgeon. When I developed the second lump in my original breast, I was advised to have a double mastectomy.

I was originally advised to have radiotherapy, but refused to have this, while the other breast was being ignored. By the time that I saw the second surgeon, we discussed whether or not there would have been any benefit in having it then, as I was now 11 months post-surgery. I was referred to see 2 researchers in radiology. One advised that I might as well try it, while the other, was much more convincing and told me that there was no point in having it, if it hadn't been done within the first 3 months post-surgery. I took his advice.

I took Tamoxifen for the first year after my lumpectomy, but changed to Letrozole, when the second cancer was discovered. I took this for 6½ years. I did have some unpleasant side-effects from both of these, but if I had to take them again, I would, as it has afforded me an extra 14 years with my family.

If there are possibly a few cells remaining near your chest wall, it would be worth considering the disadvantages you could suffer, if you don't take the Tamoxifen, before you reach a final decision. Write down any questions you have before Friday and take this with you, when you see the Oncologist. S/he will be in the best position to advise you, as to the best option.

It is perfectly normal for your emotions to be all over the place at present - this journey really is a rollercoaster.

Whatever decision you make, I sincerely hope that it turns out to be the right one for you.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx