Hi, I have just been diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer around the same time as you.  I have DCIS as well as some invasive cells.  Even though the cancer has been caught early, I still need a mastectomy as it spans a large area.  I am still in shock and I know I'm burying my head in the sand.  I am on holiday at the moment with family but when I get back, I have numerous hospital appointments to attend before my surgery on 22 August.  Friends  and family keep saying that I'm dealing with it well but the thing is, I don't know how to deal with it or react.  I feel like I'm emotionally detached from it all.  How do you feel?  Am I normal? 

Hi

You are being as normal as you can be in this situation. I was diagnosed with DCIS on 7th Feb this year and had a mastectomy on 1St March .I had sentinel node biopsy at the same time as my operation.Subsequently having two nodes removed.

I had breast reconstruction with implant at the same time and also had my nipple and areola removed.

I had to wait Two long weeks for my node results.

I consider myself so lucky.

My DCIS was high grade with active cells but luckily my nodes are clear so no further treatment is needed.

Be strong and positive.You will have high and low days.Be tearful,have a cry,you may feel angry,sad or feel totally detached at times. But if you are having a struggle remember there are friends,family and lots of support available.

I found the breast care nurses a great help .

I wish you well for your surgery and if you need to talk let me know.

Xxx

Hi. I too am newly diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I have been told I will be having surgery but I am now awaiting the results of an MRI to tell me the extent of the surgery required. I have an appointment for the 11th to hear my fate. I am sure I am totally in denial. I still keep thinking they have got it wrong even though I have had biopsy results. Maybe it's preservation mechanism to stop us going totally insane with the stress of it all. 

Hello

I am so pleased you are being positive.

It really does help you get through the good and bad days ahead.

I had DCIS diagnosis in February this year with a mastectomy of my right breast on March 1st.

On 12Th July i had my left breast removed and am now recovering once again from surgery.

I have remained positive and had lots of support from friends,family, work and my breast care nurses.

I wish you well and please let me know how you get on with your treatment.

Keep strong.

Xxx

Thank you.  It really helps to hear from others in the same situation.  I hope your treatment goes well and you recovery well. Keep us posted on how things go . 

Hi Helen I am 35 at the end of the month and 3 weeks ago I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removed. The tumour measured at 16mm on the scan/mammogram, but today I was told that it was infact 28mm when removed. So it had grown a bit. I'm still waiting for my tumour to be analysed so they can tell me the treatment plan. Because of my age they think I should have Chemotherapy, but it could affect my fertility. Although I have a beautiful 4 year old, I always dreamt of a sibling (Even as a single mother) wishful thinking maybe. But now I feel a bit lost as I'm unsure of the future in that respect. But, I just wanted to say good luck for your operation and it isn't as bad as I thought. You'll be tender & sore (which is expected) but really, I haven't been that bad. I hope this will put your mind at rest. I went home the next day, I could have gone the same day, but I had terrible dizziness. My thoughts are with you Clare

Just waiting for 22nd August when I will have my left breast removed.  I have opted not to have reconstruction and feel positive about this decision

  Had DCIS in 2011 and a wide area incision followed by radiotherapy.  Feeling down that after monitoring that I now have further DCIS and my only option realistically is mastectomy.  Glad it has been caught in time but feels like you are faced with massive decisions with so little time to make them.

Yes a huge decision to make but the best one.

I had two weeks between diagnosis and mastectomy.

In those two weeks my cancer grew from 54mm at diagnosis to 98mm at removal.I didnt have a choice but have no regrets whatsoever. I felt emotional during those two weeks but a sense of relief after the operation.

Take care xx

Hi Pam

I'm sorry to hear that you have to go through this after being monitored and.that you have to have a mastectomy, but I'm glad you are feeling positive, that is the best way to be. I feel that if I don't feel positive then I would get the rain and that would get us nowhere.

Fingers crossed you will have a speedy recovery. x

I do feel that it's a lot to take in and very little time and facts for me to make a decision. Sometimes I wish I had a crystal ball to see what would be the best decision to make.