New to the group and new to DCIS

[EverCuriousOne]

After a series of mammograms and an ultrasound last year, I had two biopsies on January 9th. I found out the next day one of the sites was positive for DCIS, Stage zero, Grade 3. hormone stuff was all negative. I am scheduled for a lumpectomy on 2/13 and my surgeon said I should expect radiation following for 5 days to 6 weeks. Not fun. Nervous about it but grateful for treatment options. We have no family history of breast cancer so this diagnosis came as a big surprise to me. I'm learning all I can about the diagnosis, treatments, side effects and outcomes. It all seems a bit much and honestly at times it seems overwhelming. But I thought I'd try connecting with others that are maybe going through this or who may have gone through it. I'm doing my best to stay focused on what is right here in front of me - mindfulness, staying busy, keeping up my normal routine before it gets thrown into a bit of a spin cycle on me.

Beyond that, being way more than a diagnosis (and really stressing to myself the importance of that), I'm 58 years old, divorced mother of 4 amazing and grown children and 1 grandson who is the absolute light of my life. I work full-time and love what I do. Philosophically - I wonder what this is all intended to teach me - one lesson already - Do NOT neglect your health ever! LOL. The rest seems to be more about letting go of any concept of control I may have had in my life. I can make decisions but control? Not so much.

So, that's it for now to prevent novel writing in my intro post.

[smithtennyson]

The books that I read, frightened the life out of me... Note to self, don't read them. It wasn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be. Ok, initially the operation for me was the worst as I'm not good with anaesthetic, so they did keep me in overnight. ( In the UK they do the operation and send you out the same day), and it was it an unusual position (where a wire of a bra goes), so was a more difficult operation. The radiotherapy was not a problem either, here they do 5 days of what they class as 5 minute bursts. No pain, only on the last couple of days it started to go redder. I used a lotion called H2K cucumber lotion on my breast to calm the redness. The only thing I wish I had done (as I seemed to be a rush job) was massage my breast for the following year, as my first mammogram showed a lump that got me worried again, but it turned out to be a dead mass. Massaging it the past year with the H2K lotion has since got rid of it. Good Luck x

[EverCuriousOne in reply to smithtennyson]

You know, I have had times of over-saturation in the topic and some of the things I've read too, were absolutely frightening. My upcoming surgery will also be outpatient (which I absolutely love). I think I am more fearful of the radiotherapy as I don't know how long it will be part of my future. My hope is for the shortest amount of time. I'm glad to hear that you got through it with no pain though. That's really heartening. I appreciate your reply and will keep the reminders in mind. :). Sending you all the good thoughts.

[smithtennyson in reply to EverCuriousOne]

For me, the radiotherapy was no problem at all, and I'm fair skinned and burn in the sun. Hopefully you will sail through it 😁😍

[suryakaizen]

Dear EverCuriousOne , when my daughter, 40, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, we took a 2nd opinion from a woman doctor. When we asked her why it had happened to her, what the causes could be, she said dryly "Keep good health practices, take the treatment and get on with your life. Don't worry about what, why..." I thought it was the best advice at that time. My daughter too had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiation and is now well, 8 years on. All the best for you. Enjoy your work, your loving relationships and joy in life.

[EverCuriousOne in reply to suryakaizen]

That's good advice. I'm so happy to hear that your daughter got through treatment and hasn't had to look back. That's just the kind of story I need about now!!! Thank you.