Hi

I too am 44 and was diagnosed with DCIS three weeks ago. Last week I had a CT and bone scan and was told that my lymph nodes were enlarged so I would need them removing when I had a mastectomy. I'm just waiting for an appointment to see the surgeon but it feels like I've been waiting for ages - I hate feeling like I'm in the dark.

Hi Teacherj,

I am so sorry to hear what has caused you to join our little band of 'warriors' here, but extend a very warm welcome.

Time seems to drag at this stage and the fear of the unknown is a big consideration. As someone who has had 2 bouts of cancer a year apart, and who has survived 10 years since diagnosed, I have had a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy. It was all quite 'doable' and nowhere as difficult as I expected them to be. I had 6 lymph nodes removed, but, fortunately they were all clear.

Did your surgeon give you any indication of how long you were likely to have to wait for your operation? Try to keep yourself busy to try and distract yourself from the wait and, whatever you do try to avoid consulting Dr Google, who will only serve to scare you further.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Jolamine

thank you for responding.

I haven't seen the surgeon yet, just the consultant in the breast clinic who diagnosed me on 5th September and another consultant who gave me the CT results on 19th September. Both consultants said I would hear from the surgeon within two weeks so I'm just going to keep chasing until an appointment comes through. I have two children 11 and 12 but I'm holding out telling them until I know I have a date for surgery - don't want them worrying for any longer than they need to!

x

Hi Teacherj,

You will have your consultant's secretary's number on any corespondance you have received and, as it seems that you have passed your 2 week deadline, you are right to keep on chasing. The secretary should at least be able to tell you where you are in the list by now.

You are right not to tell your children until you know exactly what is happening, but don't hold out on telling them for too long. Children have big ears and, you don't want them overhearing a conversation that they shouldn't hear. I hope that you don't have much longer to wait before you get your appointment through.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Teacherj,

You will have your consultant's secretary's number on any corespondance you have received and, as it seems that you have passed your 2 week deadline, you are right to keep on chasing. The secretary should at least be able to tell you where you are in the list by now.

You are right not to tell your children until you know exactly what is happening, but don't hold out on telling them for too long. Children have big ears and, you don't want them overhearing a conversation that they shouldn't hear. I hope that you don't have much longer to wait before you get your appointment through.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx