Hello. I'm not further along than you but instead in the same boat.  I was diagnosed with DCIS on Thursday, I have to have more biopsies to determine what surgery options I have and then if I need radiation etc. But have been told that it'll all happen quite quickly. 

I also live alone, I've created with my best friends a specific group chat to talk about it and related rants.  So that or normal group chat is for the usual things if sending each other funny stories, memes etc. And it also allows them to check the chat when they have the mental capacity etc. 

I've also taken to making plans more after work to see people who that whilst I live alone using my support network. Even if it's just silent company watching TV or a film. 

Hi Lorraine,

A very warm welcome to our forum. 

I am sorry to hear that you have had a breast cancer diagnosis - do you know what type or stage this is? This is a scary time, mainly because there are still so many "unknowns" for you. It's good to hear that your surgery is not too far away now.

I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer and have since had a diagnosis myself. I had a lumpectomy at first, but had another cancer in the same breast and pre-cancerous lesions were also found in my other breast. This all happened within less than a year after surgery. I had a double mastectomy for the second bout. That was all 15 years ago now and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life. 

I was amazed by how much treatments had advanced between my mum's diagnosis and my own. There was just no comparison between the diagnosis, treatment and after care which we both experienced. I hope that all goes well for you.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine thank you kindly for your reply, my diagnosis is DCIS (high grade) it’s about 4mm, early stages so that is a comfort knowing it has been caught early.  I lost both parents in their early 60’s to prostrate and endometrial cancer.  I think I will be having radiotherapy after surgery, I am a bit worried about that and any side effects, all the staff I have seen have been truly amazing which is very encouraging.  Living alone with a diagnosis can be hard as the mind can wander, it’s great to hear there has been good progress in treatments and it’s great to hear you have been living a fulfilling life, encouraging words. Thank you, Lorraine xx

Hello 

welcome , I had breast cancer in 2022 , this forum helped me so much I stayed here for a year , I don’t often come on these days , wishing you all the best it’s a journey but you can do it xx 

Hi Lorraine,

I am so sorry to hear that you lost both of your parents to cancer I lost both of my parents to cancer too. My mum had a particularly nasty experience with her cancer journey and seeing what she went through terrified me. Fortunately, my experience was very different. I'm not saying that treatment will be a breeze - it will be challenging, but you'll get through it. Most people worry about the side-effects of radiotherapy, but not everybody gets them. Some people just sail through it. Where there are any side-effects, the staff will do their best to try and find you something to counteract them. All you have to do is ask.

It is difficult dealing with this diagnosis on your own, although our minds can take us to all sorts of dark places whether we're on our own, or in the midst of a large family! Does your daughter manage home quite frequently? I hope that she will be a good support to you as you start out on your cancer journey. Do you have a close friend nearby who you could confide in. I was disappointed at the reactions of some of my friends, who didn't know what to say or do after I was diagnosed, but I was also extremely surprised at how many people stepped up to the mark and supported me throughout. Some of this help came from very unexpected quarters too. I have since discovered that these reactions are fairly normal. 

One thing that you do need to do with cancer is to talk about it and not bottle up your feelings, as this only seems to make them worse. There are a number of cancer charities  who offer support. Do you have a Maggie's Centre near you. They offer free alternative therapies to help you relax, seated yoga, help with benefit applications and finances. The also offer different levels of walking groups. They have nurses to advise you and counselling, if you need this. There is also always a welcome cuppa for anyone who pops in. There are a lot of smaller charities throughout the country, so if you don't have a Maggie's nearby, ask your care team or practice nurse about these.

Macmillan Cancer Support is always here to answer questions and they also have a forum as have Breast Cancer Now and, of course there is always somebody here on Cancer Chat, who has experienced what you are going through. Do you have a date for your surgery yet?

Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. Remember, you are never alone now that you have found this forum. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi xt1n. Thank you for your message, I think what you have done is a good idea, making plans including your support network.  I am learning that the treatment of DCIS and positive outcomes going forward is very good which is reassuring.  My DCIS is high grade and about 4mm, lumpectomy booked for October 1st so not long to wait.  My support circle is quite small (but mighty) I do spend quite a lot of time in my own company.  There seems to be a great source of words of experience comfort and support on here which i think will make the journey easier.  Look after yourself along the journey and please share more about it if you feel you can.  Take care, Lorraine xx

Hi there 

I too live alone, lost hubby to prostate cancer 4 years ago, married nearly 49 years. I have an appointment on Monday when I hope to get the biopsies results and treatment plan. So scary waiting and waiting. It’s been 2 weeks since they were done. Love to all ….. we will get through this xx

That's good that is not a long wait for you, waiting is the hardest part. 

I've had my other biopsies done yesterday. I have a 75mm area of calcification of which we know, some atleast is definitely high grade DCIS. The biopsies I had yesterday are to test the rest of the area to understand how much of it is DCIS. As depending on that, my surgery options change. 

I too have a small but mighty support network. I'm also fortunate that both my mum,  and my dad's and step mum are fairly local to me. 

And yes DCIS has lots and lots of positive experiences to read on here. Similar to you I find that comforting. Along with all the lovely people who reach out when you post out quite something being very supportive and sharing their own stories etc.