I’m joining the forum today after being diagnosed with DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) on the 1.9.26. With surgery booked for the 28.9.26.
I’m still trying to process everything. The calcifications measure around 13cm, and the current plan is for a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy. I’m grateful that it has been caught early and that there is a treatment plan, but I’m feeling incredibly anxious, emotional and scared about what lies ahead.
The timing has also made this particularly difficult. I haven’t really had a chance to recover emotionally from three devastating bereavements in May, including losing my mum. Her memorial service was only this Saturday just gone, so I think I’m understandably feeling completely overwhelmed at the moment.
It has honestly been a crazy year, and this feels like another huge thing to process when I’m already emotionally exhausted.
I’ve joined this forum because I’d really appreciate hearing from others who have been through DCIS, particularly anyone who has had a larger area of calcification and gone through lumpectomy and radiotherapy.
I’m sure I’ll have lots of questions as I get my head around everything. For now, I’m just taking it one day at a time.
Hi, sorry to read this. You have been through an extremely difficult time. You didnt need a breast cancer diagnosis on top of that.
I was diagnosed in January 2023. It was not until I had my lumpectomy for tubular cancer, that there were also areas of dcis surrounding the tumour and lymph node involvement.
Everyone is anxious of surgery. The staff are all fantastic. I had absolutely no problems at all on the day. Admitted 7.30am and home eating my tea that evening. Yes, a bit uncomfortable and takes time to recover. Just take it easy and you will be fine.
I started 5 sessions of radiotherapy in the June. Was quite tired but rested as much as I could. Tiredness eased within a couple of days after sessions finished.
I was put on light duties at work. My Boss had regular contact. By September, I was getting a bit bored on light duties. Was going to discuss going back to full duties. Unfortunately my Dad was then diagnosed as terminal and given 6 months. I then felt I took several steps backwards from my full recovery. This was mentally rather than physically. We lost him in January 2024.
I have wiped Jan 2023 until jan 2024 from my diary.
My cancer was picked up very early on first mammogram. As it had spread to lymph nodes, I know I am very lucky I had a mammogram when I did.
Difficult time for you. Keep strong and keep busy. You will be fine.
Let us know how you get on. Will be thinking about you.
I’m so sorry for you experiencing so much loss and suffering this year. I know you’re overwhelmed, emotional and confused right now. Remember you don’t have to be strong ask for mental health assistance if needed. I just had my Double mastectomy straight to implants on Aug. 21,2026 and my tumor was 13 cm as well. My pathology was pure DCIS high grade with close margins , lymph nodes was clear and I won’t have radiation or medication.
Hi Linda-ru. I’m so sorry you are in this club, but you are very welcome and you have come to the right place if you’re looking for support and encouragement and an all round cast of amazing women.
I had DCIS in 2022. Mine was very small, just 0.6cm. They thought it was low grade, but on operating it turned out to be high grade.
The lumpectomy for me was remarkably straightforward. You shouldn’t need a drain and the op is a day job…another bonus. I bounced back remarkably quickly. Do make sure you follow the exercises to the letter because this really helps with reducing the inconvenience of cording further down the line.
I had 5 days of radiotherapy and coped with it well. I just felt a little bit tired after each session. The biggest pain for me was the time it took to get to and from the hospital just to be in and out in 10 minutes.
You will be given advice on moisturising the area. E45 cream and Moo Goo became my best friends.
Also you might like to consider getting a little cushion for your seat belt just to protect the boob when in the car.
We are all here for you so don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re worried about anything. x
