New here, not sure if I’m posting this in the right place. I’m a couple of months into this. Diagnosed in early Jan with ER+ and PR+ Stage 0 DCIS. I’ve had a lumpectomy and I’m currently going through radiation, to be followed by an aromatase inhibitor (Letrozole) for 5 years if I can tolerate it (that’s a whole other conversation, as I’m pretty terrified of these drugs). I’ve had so many feelings from anger, to sadness, to just being generally moody. Every doctor I see starts by saying “You’re lucky. If you’re going to get cancer, this is the one to get”. So now I’ve got this mind set I’m having trouble getting rid of. My mind tells me “you’re stage 0… you’re going to be fine… so many people have it so much worse. stop the emotional nonsense”. I know I’m being tough on myself. I literally go through so many feelings. I was super angry at first, sad every time I drive up to or away from the cancer center for my treatments and anxious about the treatment. I’m not sure what I’m looking for here. I guess hoping to connect with other low grade patients to see if others experienced the same emotional reaction and reaction to their emotional reaction (if that makes sense!)
Welcome to the forum @brett .There’s no such thing as a “cute fluffy cancer “, cancer scares the 
out of you no matter what stage grade or type . Knowing that something could kill you if not treated really shakes you to the core . You might like the mountain lion story that has been reposted many times on this forum - I will post a link - parrabel if the story is no-one wants to be chased by any kind of mountain lion even one that’s “ wimpy looking with 3 legs “ !!! Best wishes Jill
Hi @brett
“Lucky” - ye definitely been on the receiving end of that comment. Most people mean well when they say things like that, but they’ve probably not experienced it themselves.
They found both invasive (tumor stage 1) and non-invasive area (DCIS stage 0) around my lump, and although there was no proof, the surgeon said there was a high possibility that it developed from DCIS.
Having DCIS is not good but its not the worst either. But its significance can not be disregarded. It is still a cancer, and it has/had the ability to grow and spread. Do I think that’s lucky - no. You still have to deal with the treatment, the stress and worry.
It’s certainly a challenge, with highs and lows. Take one step at a time, then give yourself a bit of credit for getting further forward.
This is something that a lot of us who have a low grade cancer struggle with. There’s a lot of guilt and confusion because you think you should be dealing with it better because it’s low grade and others have it worse then you’re confused that you aren’t handling it better . And you’re angry and afraid and sad because it’s cancer and it’s turned your life upside down and now you have to undergo scary treatments for something that you’re told you are lucky to have and isn’t really that dangerous.
Does not compute . Complete mind f*** . I remember all of these feelings and more - they do pass . The things the Doctors say about low grade and being lucky etc. make more sense in retrospect .
A lot of us find the end of the active treatment to be a very confusing time because you no longer have the treatment / appointments to focus on and then you start to think about what just happened . I found the Moving Forwards course helped me to process everything.
Sending lots of love xx
Hi @brett
Cancer is cancer I think we are all ‘lucky ‘
to survive cancer , through my journey I have met different people with all manners of stages / treatment at the end of the day we are all in the same club , and all had same emotions as you and thoughts , it is hard moving on from diagnosis and treatment , I found this forum a godsend at times .
Take care xx
Hi @brett - so this is a loooong post 
Firstly welcome to the club no one wants to join, but when we do we are supported by those who know exactly what it’s like to be chased by that ‘mountain lion’ that @Jill1998 posted- (thank you for that Jill-so bloody true)
Your feelings are normal. You are basically going through grief here. Grief for the old you before cancer popped its head up. There’s no time limit to this process and everyone is different. You will get told so much advice by well meaning people and the old ‘ you must stay positive, you’re lucky to be alive, yours is a low grade, once all the treatment is finished that’s it and your life will resume again….’
Yes we are all grateful to be alive and lots of us have what’s called ‘survivors guilt’ because others haven’t been so lucky with their journey.
Every feeling you have is valid. At the end of the day you still had cancer. And unless you have been through that you don’t understand even if you’re a professional. It’s not only the physical side but the mental implications of the whole situation. I asked for and received counseling. In fact two lots and I also reached out to the moving forward forum as well and joined a group.
For myself I was grade 1 bilateral and had lumpectomies and then a follow up as they didn’t get the margins first time. I’ve had radiotherapy and am now on letrozole. The cancer year was 2023 - the year of my 60th birthday- the year I was looking forward to starting following leaving a stressful job in Dec 22. I found the lumps Jan 23 and from that moment on I became cancer!
All the appointments, cancelled appointments , the waiting for results ( that was the worst!) mammograms, biopsies, dr strikes, mri, surgery. I’m sure I became part of that hospital or at least I felt it had seeped into me. I had radio which I finished end Sept 23 and walked out and my daughter took a photo of me coming out! It was done, over, finished.
Everyone then assumes you’re fine, back to normal. Personally I don’t think you are ever the same person again. At least I wasn’t. I did a lot of soul searching and I realise now I needed that time to find the old me…. What I then discovered was a new me. A stronger me. It took me another year and a bit - everyone’s different here and that is what you need to realise.
I am actually more in control and have gained autonomy which I didn’t have at the start of this journey, suffering with IBS and anxiety.
The letrozole affects ppl differently I have found. I do have all the symptoms but I’ve managed to address some and having help with others. Some calm down after a while. I’m almost 19 months down the line with that so I’m happy to help with any advice as it’s been a journey.
You’ve got through so much already @brett so be proud of yourself. You will come through the other side I promise. Take care and keep us posted Lynn x
Oh my gosh. Thank you all for your thoughtful responses. Im sitting here sobbing as I read your responses. It really does help to hear from those who have been through it, rather than my well meaning friends and family. So glad i found this forum.
Hi Lynn…I am in my 60th year as well. I had an IUD when I went through menopause so I didnt experience any symptoms. That’s one of the things thats got me unhappy about the meds. I didnt go through it the first time, but now i likely will! Im also worried about my BP and cholesterol, because theyre already high. But we’ll monitor and cross that bridge if/when needed. I’m glad to hear you’re having minimal symptoms! I hope its the same for me.
As the others have said, all your feelings are valid.
Double mastectomy, no reconstruction, last July, five years letrozole, five years tamoxifen is the plan, although I’ve asked if I can stay on letrozole and consultant said yes, but for 8 years and then 2 tamoxifen - but that’s a discussion for years down the line when there may be another drug in play!
I have had most of the letrozole symptoms, aches, nausea, but have tried to up my exercise and move more even when I’m tired and aching. I’ve also lost 30lbs since starting so the weight gain that some talk about is not necessarily for everyone. xx
@brett
I had a blood test at 41 which basically said I was menopausal. I asked for that as I was so ill.
I went on HRT evorel sequi patches and remained on them for 18 years. Until diagnosis and then came off cold turkey. The letrozole just exacerbated all the symptoms. I never had hot flushes and sleeplessness nor did I have vaginal atrophy first time round.
The joint pain and VA and sleeplessness have been the worst symptoms I have to say.
Walking definitely helps with joint pain and after recently my surgeon has agreed for me to have vagifem pessaries. You have to reach out for support as it’s unlikely that anyone will make a point of pointing you in the right direction.
I know it’s all so overwhelming and worrying at the moment but you will navigate it all.
There’s lots of lovely people on this forum who will help you and don’t forget the nurses who have helped so many people.
Take care Lynn x
Welcome to the forum @brett
Me, 2 x lumps, both Stage 1 Grade 1. DCIS & Invasive breast cancer.
I had a mastectomy (no reconstruction) and was prescribed Tamoxifen (which I stopped after about 8 months).
I 100% agree with each and every reply.
Cancer is cancer, it messes with your head and changes who you are forever!
We each fight our own personal battle and yes, it is a battle.
The fear is real, the anger is real and the tears are real. Every single emotion you feel is justified and never let anyone tell you otherwise!
We are all members of the club that no one wants to join.
And guess what…. We are all warriors too!
Stay strong @brett. 