Hi
This week I was told I have DCIS after having a biopsy for microcalifications. This was a shock however the Consultant said its been caught early and it is treatable. He said I need to have a further biopsy to check another area in my breast and then I will be referred to a hospital of my choice and I will need surgery. I am not quite sure what to expect, I have read that DCIS is graded? I haven’t been told anything further at this stage x
1 Like
Hi @mitch2 welcome to the forum, you will find a lot of support here.
I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis but DCIS will be eminently treatable. Yes, DCIS is graded but graded differently to invasive cancers. So, with DCIS, the grades are low, medium and high whereas invasive cancers are graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on how aggressive they are. Were you given any indication of size? Size determines what type of surgery you will have, the smaller it is, the more likely it is that you will have a lumpectomy. If you have a lumpectomy, it is usually done as a day patient so taking it easy for a week or so afterwards and doing the exercises that they give you will see you right. I had both an invasive Ductal carcinoma (IDC) with adjacent DCIS (low grade) and had a lumpectomy which proved to be easier than I had imagined. Obviously DCIS hasn’t broken out of the duct so can’t have spread, so please don’t worry about that. When you find out more, by all means come back to the forum to ask questions about our experiences if that would help you to come to terms with your diagnosis.
2 Likes
Dear Mitch2,
Welcome to the forum, we are all here for you with love and support.
As soon as your consultant has the results they needs from your biopsy they will put a treatment plan together for you, I think you will know exactly what’s ahead of you, it’s a good idea to have a notepad available and scribble down anything that’s on your mind as we intend to forget the most important questions. Please come back to let us know how your getting on.
Wishing you well, with happiness ahead.
Hugs Tili 
Thank you so much Tili, lots to take in atm! Next I have to look for a hospital of my choice x
Hi, I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS early June. 80mm. I had my mastectomy and reconstruction on Saturday last.
Sorry you are joining the club! Take each day at a time and try not to get too far ahead in your thoughts… you’ll just upset yourself!
I know it’s an early diagnosis but it’s ok to feel all of your feelings. They are valid and it is scary.
I’m a few months ahead of you on my road so if at any point you want to chat or have queries please do reach out.
For now I have two golden rules… one - do not google. It’s not your friend and will scare you to death. Two - this time is about you. You will have a bubble of support that you choose, don’t beat yourself up if it’s one or two people… you take this journey on your terms!
Live and big hugs. You are really brave and we are here to support you xx
1 Like
Hi @mitch2
Sounds similar to me. My very first mammogram shortly after my 50th, was recalled a couple of weeks later, this May. The wait terrified me. Result appointment the Consultant said small area of dcis.
At this appointment Surgeon told me the grade, but I know from someone else they were only told after the operation results.
He said they wanted to look at another area, so another biopsy and wait, this also terrified me. Thankfully this area was ok, and op was booked about 2 weeks after that.
Wasn’t given any choice about hospital, but my hospital has its own breast clinic and research place, so more than happy to go to adjoining hospital. Op went ahead, junior doctor strike ended day before and didn’t affect it.
The op is ok!! Please try not to worry, although I know it’s normal. I would say if you can take plenty of time off work, do. I’m self employed and due to return tomorrow (2 weeks post op) I do a physical job, wish in theory I’d taken a month off, I just feel more tired than normal, and the stress of everything has been exhausting.
I have my results appointment 4 weeks after op. Obviously size and nature of it, could change, as could chance they didn’t get clear margins. I’m hoping it’s all ok. Post op, there’s talk possibly radiotherapy/med/nothing - I’ll just have to wait.
As someone said, don’t feel guilty about who you have or don’t have in your circle, it’s rent not about them! And some people will surprise you.
Good luck x
1 Like
Hi, thanks so much for your reply. I hope you are recovering well from the surgery, take it easy x
2 Likes