I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago with low grade DCIS in my right breast following my very first mammogram with a 9mm calification and got my surgery results yesterday, how swift the NHS have worked, I’ve been very impressed.
I must say the worst part of all of the past few weeks was the shock of being told at the clinic that there was a calcification, which I’d never heard of before, and the resulting vacuum assisted biopsy carried out there and then, which left me very bruised and with a haematoma, and obviously the week of worrying whilst I waited for my biopsy results.
When I went for my results (low grade DCIS) they had to give me antibiotics to try and reduce the swelling in my breast ready for the wire guided local excision planned for 2 weeks later. Unfortunately when I went to have the wire inserted the haematoma was still present and the marker clip couldn’t be seen, but thanks to an excellent radiologist she managed to insert the wire “spot on” according to the surgeon.
The operation went smoothly, the marker clip was actually inside the haematoma, but the surgeon said she removed as much as she could to ensure she had got everything. I would say the worst thing then whilst waiting 2 weeks for my results was the constipation caused by the surgery. I think this gave me more pain than anything else, and never having had an operation before was not aware this would happen.
I went back yesterday for my results of the WLE and am pleased to say that everything was removed and no further action is necessary apart from a follow up mammogram in 6 months.
I would however like to wish all of the other ladies on here who are still receiving treatment or awaiting results the very best of luck, but wanted to give my story to any other ladies diagnosed with DCIS.
Glad to hear your good news, it’s such a shock when you first told and the waiting for results is just horrible! It’s very good that you have been treated so fast…pretty amazing!
I was diagnosed with a 10mm invasive ductal cancer on the 11th August (after biopsy etc, the week before) and won’t have my surgery (WLE & Sentinel node procedure) until the 11th September and then will have two or more weeks of the awful waiting for the results. I suppose it will be about 7 - 8 weeks in all, plus a couple of weeks before that, (first the call back letter, then the waiting for biopsy.) All too long but I suspect they are just keeping in the new deadlines!
Hope you continue on your recovery, you must be very relieved!
Thank you I am waiting to meet my surgeon and hope my outcome is similar to yours - I was fortunate that I did not bruise after the biopsy … Mine is 8mm apparently so fingers crossed and all that …
Hello Suenatal. I read your story with much interest as I was diagnosed on the 23rd of December following a biopsy from a call back mammogram visit. This was my 3rd mammogram where the first one 6 years ago showed calicification areas and a biopsy was taken. These were confirmed to be clear and my next mammogram was 3 years later. They compared that to the first one and I was given a clear result. My latest mammogram mid December showed a small area along with the calcifications which prompted the doctor to do another biopsy although she was confident that all would be ok. The telephone call in the 23rd however confirmed it to be cancer. I spent Xmas and the new year keeping the news to myself and my husband. We visited the surgeon last week and he has explained the 7mm growth is low grade and I will be operated on in a week or so to have it removed. They will also remove some lymph to test they are clear although the scan looked ok.
How are you recovering? I hope you had a good Xmas. Happy new year!
Best wishes, Gill.
I am having op on 22/1 to remove 8mm area of DCIS … Forgot to ask about grade but not sure knowing will help at this stage - after histology they will decide if need radiotherapy … Hopefully not needed.
So helpful to read you stories … Have had to wait 4 weeks for surgery and its seemed like forever but this time next week I will have had the op and even resting and recovering … Just a bit anxious no knowing what’s ahead but trying to be positive and know that I am in good hands … One question how widely have you spread your news - family, close friends, work, friends you rarely see, Facebook …