Hi Everyone,
I have been on here since my diagnosis for DCIS in September 2025 and have found the forum a great resource for information and advice.
I wanted to share my story in the hope that I can help others who might just be starting out and in their journey as well as seek out advice on my recovery
Not sure if rolling it all into one post is the way to go but hey!
Nearly all the ladies in my family have had breast cancer to various degrees so I knew this day was coming and have had years to mentally prepare!
I was diagnosed in September 2025 at the grand age of 49 with high grade DCIS in my left breast, first consultant said it’s tiny we will carry out a small lumpectomy and no further treatment will be needed (I was understandably upset but feeling positive as they had already booked me for surgery just 8 days later)
My lumpectomy operation (carried out by a different consultant/ Surgeon) was a breeze, I healed very quickly was back at work after 1 week off and back running after 2 weeks!
My results followed 3 weeks after my operation and the rest as they say is history.
Unfortunately due to not getting clear margins 2 further WLE followed, one at the end of October and one at the end of November 2025. Margins were getting better but not 100% and due to relatively small boobs I made the decision in January to have a mastectomy without reconstruction.
There were some very dark days between each of my operations as it felt like one step forward and two steps back every time I was given the results! In hindsight I should of made the decision to have the mastectomy at operation number 3 but they were convinced if they tried again all would be well 
So here I am one boob down and 1 week into my recovery. I feel 100% happy with my decision and relived that with a bit of luck I will not need any further surgery!
I’ve had a few complications along the way, found out I was allergic to Surgical glue after operation number 2 which wasn’t ideal and developed contact dermatitis all over my left side but I dealt with that and they have avoided glue for my Mastectomy and instead used steri strips and an opsite dressing so at least I can still shower!
I am rambling sorry! I felt good last week, no real pain, hardly any swelling, was managing just on paracetamol and ibuprofen and have been doing my exercises since the day after surgery as well as walking a little each day’ however this week I feel battered and bruised!
My drain came out Friday which I thought would give me even more get up and go, however I am now feeling very swollen, have lots of bruising coming out and am struggling to get comfortable! Is this normal?
I am doing my exercises but I’m impatient, I tried moving onto to week 2 today but I’m not sure if I’m pushing my self too much?
I was so active before, running 3-4 times a week, weekly strength and weight training and walked everywhere! I’m usually a very positive person but today feels like I have a mountain to climb before I can do any of the things I love again!
Thank you for reading 