Recalled for a mammogram and had to have another on my left breast and a scan then they took 12 samples from 2 biopsies as they had seen some calcifications in my breast tissue. When I went to see the Specialist last week I was so shocked. He came in and asked a few questions then he came out with “Its bad news I’m afraid”. My husband held my hand and I just felt so numb. The specialist went on to say although it is non invasive that the calcifications in my left breast extended 6.5 cms from the bottom front of my breast to the back of it and then told me that because of the size I would need a mastectom as it would take most of the bottom of my breast away and offered me a skin saving mastectomy because of the size of my breast and an implant. When he said this I felt like asking him if he was joking. Felt and feel so numb and I am devastated. Couldn’t go to work all last week as trying to come to terms with the news. Going back to work this week has helped but I feel it is happening to someone else and can’t believe I am going to loose my breast. Saw breast cancer nurse a week ago, a few days after the consultant, and she explained that it was in the milk duct and was not invasive.
I realise that I need to have this as there could be a chance of it becoming invasive in the future but still feels so drastic. I still feel like it is happening to someone else and am very anxious about the surgery and how I will feel after it.
Welcome to the BCC forums where you will find shared experiences and support form your fellow users, in addition our helpliners are on hand for you 9-5 weekdays and 10-2 Saturdays on 0808 800 6000 with further practical and emotional support
Here’s a link to the DCIS information on this site which I hope you find helpful:
Like you I was recalled on the 29th December,biopsies taken and confirmed with this condition on the 12th January…yes I went into a bubble but fortunately my husband was with me and he became my ears. It is a lot to take in at first but first and foremost they have diagnosed it early. The only treatment available for me was a mastectomy followed by immediate breast reconstruction…I had this done on the 31st January and was released from hospital yesterday so as I type I am in recovery. This time last week I thought the end of my world had come…but life is going on and I am learning to like my"new breast". The one thing I would suggest you do before your operation is to practice the exercises that will be given to you its best to know what to do beforehand. I am not sure if your have a V shaped pillow but I truly wished that I had taken this into hospital with me. It’s an emotional roller coaster until your surgery and I truly know your anxieties. As they say you cannot turn the clock back…so only look forwards. Xx?
I can relate to the shock. I was recalled after routine mammogram and told I had calcifications they were going to biopsy. I was totally unprepared for the results and the treatment, a mastectomy! I am now 2 months post surgery and it’s ok. Obviously I wish it had never happened but any chance of cancer was removed with my breast. A mastectomy means no follow up treatment should be necessary and as I had a reduction at same time as immediate implant so some problems caused by my very large breasts, like breathing, neck, back and shoulder pain have gone. I miss my old breasts, they have rendered men speechless over the years lol, and hate the scarring but every day they look better as they settle down. It is a difficult time as you wait for results and surgery dates but focus on positives where you can find them x
Thank you so much both of you. It really helps to know someone who has gone through what I am feeling. Glad your both on the road to recovery and are feeling better day by day.
I have had my pre-op date and it is on Friday the 13th in the afternoon so I have heard it is normally two weeks after that for the operation. I do feel very greatfull that it has been found early and that I will be having an immediate breast implant at the same time of the operation. And I am trying to be positive and not worry too much.
Hi there. I am Now 2weeks today post surgery, and It has been a learning curve for me. I thought I would suggest a few tips for you since I really was quite ignorant of what to buy for going into hospital and post operative bras. I purchase some PJ’s with loose ankles (not cuff)since you will have to have stockings on post op and the tops should be sleeveless…I purchased a couple of loose fitting should strap type. I did go to MS and buy 2post surgery bras but they have now been Reid ed since my breast are nurse recommended Sloggi sports type which go over the head. although they are ok for night sleeping I have found a brand if bra made by ROYCE it isfront fastening and so comfortable and this was recommended by my female surgeon/consultant. Thinking if you x
Have had my date of my op and it is the18th of March which is longer than they said it would be. This is because my surgeon is off on leave this week and next week. I was really upset as I thought it would have 2-3 weeks after the pre-op assessment. I am just trying to get on with nornal everyday things like working and trying to put it at the back of my mind which is really hard sometimes and I know the the week of my op my anxiety will be through the roof. I am still having stabbing pains in my breast where they did the biopsy procedure is this natural and my boob is quite bad sometimes and itchy. Should I speak to my breast care nurse.
Hi going in for my operation tomorrow for my mastectomy and am feeling really anxious. I have waited for a month now from my pre assessment. It still feels very serreal. Hoping to sleep tonight have to take my diazapam. Not knowing what to expect when I get to the ward. Got to be there for 7.30 tomorrow morning.
Rubykins - hope it all went well for you last month. I am going in at 7.30 tomorrow morning so feeling a little apprehensive. But as others have said, it also feels quite surreal - not sure that it is really happening to me. I’ve checked my bag and it contains everything that anyone has ever recommended on these forums so weighs a ton! Guess someone will have to carry it home for me! I’ve been using a DVD from Maggie’s centre for relaxation and meditation and also yoga nidra to help me relax every day. Both now downloaded onto the iPad so I can carry on with them. And am focussed on the fact that this time next week I should be back home and getting ready to watch Poldark in the comfort of my own living room! Sending good wishes to anyone else in the same boat. xxx
Hi ladies. Hope ops went well. I’m now 13 days post MX and SNR and doing pretty much all normal activities, I was determined to carry on as normal from day of discharge. The worst bit for me is the nerve damage in upper arm and chest, its an odd sensation both painful and very sore. I’m now keen for results (due on 23rd) to know what comes next and praying lymph nodes are unaffected. It sure is quite a journey isn’t it? Keep positive all and hugs to everyone xx
this is very similar to what as happened to me.
I went for mammogram, I was called back, but told not to worry as calcifications have a very high percentage of being benign. Then the bomb shell, needed complete breast of and just awaiting my treatment plan. still in shock.
Its so good to come on here and see I’m not alone.
Diagnosed with DCIS last week. Had 3 areas of calcifications biopsied. The one on the right is clear but 2 areas on the left so it’s Mastectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy. I’m 36F and too big for reconstruction without an implant - and I can’t bear the thought of that. I think I’ll wait and see - has anyone else delayed reconstruction and then gone ahead later?
I’m self employed too so now have to work out a) what to tell my clients and b) guess how much I’ll be able to do while recovering. Fingers crossed I won’t need radiotherapy or chemo.
Had a chat with my BCN which helped. I’m fairly sure I won’t want reconstruction but don’t want any decision I make at the moment to be final. She thought radiotherapy was quite likely given amount and grade of DCIS so that makes immediate reconstruction less of an option. Will discuss with surgeon on Thursday.
Hi Jules,
Appointment with oncologist went really well, lovely lady and my BCN Emma was there with us, she’s been an angel! All very positive for me I’m happy to say and as mines low grade tubular the outlook is very good,they did all rads planning today too so have had my CT scan and little tattoos and have all my dates so ready to go, I start on May 19th for 3 weeks then fingers crossed that’s it until first year check up ? I’m almost four weeks post op but had my oncology appointment through the week of my op, our hospital have been wonderful and I can’t fault them, wishing you ladies the very best of luck and will be looking out for your news xxx
Well have had a call from hospital to say results are back so appointment is as planned tomorrow. They couldnt give them to me today but not feeling too hopeful about lymph nodes as they did tell me what was involved in removing them! Really hoping I’ve got it wrong but expecting the worst and hope no other nasty shocks ahead! At least the 3 weeks of waiting post surgery will soon be over and I can move forward.
I have my meeting with the surgeon tomorrow to organise surgery. Will need to make decision on reconstruction but will almost certainly delay. None of the options sound very appealing!
Surgeon gave me a best guess of 30-40% chance of needing further treatment after the Mx and for me that’s too high for me to go ahead with reconstruction only for it to be messed up (I’d definitely need an implant).
If I do need further treatment it’s going to be hard enough to take without worrying about the effect on a new boob!
Your positive attitude is really inspiring. I’ve been pretty good up to now but had total meltdown last night. Think it’s just starting to sink in just how much this is going to mess my nicely organised life for a while!
Especially my business which I’ve spent 3 years building and has just reached the point where it’s starting to do really well. I’m planning to take a week off for the Mx but then start working a couple of hours a day - I work from home so no commute and I can be really flexible with lots of rests. Consultant & BCN were advising 4 weeks completely off, but that’s very impractical - and likely to drive me nuts from boredom.
Best of luck for your next step & fingers crossed for no more surgery.
Jules, I assume you are HER2 + to need Herceptin?
That is why you need chemo I thought?
HER2 cancers are more aggressive/spread faster, hence chemo before lumpectomy/mastectomy?
I’m same as you… One of my 2 lumps is HER2+, but no obvious node involvement.
I know, it’s a little confusing when one does it different to another… makes you wonder.
It’s only about 4 weeks since I found the first lump, but time seems to have teally stretched out, feels a lot longer and looks like another 2 weeks til chemo will start.
Not that I’m looking forward to it, but I am made more anxious at the idea Eric & Ernie (my son mamed my lumps!) are festering/growing with every day that passes.
Eric (big noisy Grade 3 HER2+ one!) is the one that bothers me.
I’m a calm positive person but feeling anxious today. (Maybe need to lay off the Costa Flat Whites!!)
They couldnt give them to me today but not feeling too hopeful about lymph nodes as they did tell me what was involved in removing them! 
Really hoping I’ve got it wrong but expecting the worst and hope no other nasty shocks ahead! At least the 3 weeks of waiting post surgery will soon be over and I can move forward.