Hi everyone, The last 6 weeks has been a whirlwind, from finding a lump near my right nipple to going in for my op this Wednesday.
mad soon as the consultant felt the lump he said it’s definitely not nothing. My biopsy has come back showing dcis, but it seems to have changed when I feel it now as if there is another small lump to the side of it. So that has obviously got me concerned but I feel afraid to mention it to them in case they tell me it’s a spreading type and not what they thought.
But also on the other hand, I feel like an imposter as it’s not as bad as other peoples so I don’t deserve all the kindness I am receiving. Is it just me? I don’t know if I explained that well at all 
Hi shirts
Never ever feel like an imposter. Anything’s that goes wrong in breasts instils fear in each of us and it’s a natural reaction. We have girls panicking about changes in their breasts, whose reactions are simply ignorance BUT they get basic information and leave the forums better informed. Panic Over. Their panic is perfectly justifiable. We recognise something in what they say and offer our support. Been there, done that etc.
You already have breast cancer diagnosed. Yes, you are fortunate that it’s been caught in the early stage. But your ensuing fears are typical of what women may go through and the forum gives you a safe space for someone with similar experience to give you the benefit of their experience. So, please never feel this site isn’t for you just because I, with Stage 4 Triple Negative bc, am replying to you. Yes, it’s as bad as it can get yet I immediately identified with you - I’m not wracked with pain, I don’t have metastasis in any of my organs except the skin and those mets for now are mere lumps. I feel I’m getting away with an easy ride I shouldn’t complain about. But that’s just a feeling. My knowledge is different, what I’ve been told contradicts my feeling. So this is a place for me. Not only can I hope to find someone in the same boat but I get my fears validated by people who have been through something similar.
Advice : stop poking and prodding. Nothing changes that quickly and you will be making it sorer. They will remove anything suspicious during surgery. They will know if it has spread and testing will show the lump and tissue’s hormone status. It does mean your diagnosis can be changed because nothing can be diagnosed accurately until they get in there! But your surgeon hasn’t suggested a mastectomy so they aren’t expecting t find more. That doesn’t mean they won’t - I need to be honest - but generally they get it right IF they are given all the information by the patient (gentle dig to be honest and open with them) so why should you be an exception?
Surgery tomorrow. You’re probably feeling like a cat on a hot tin roof so tune into Progressive Hypnosis, on YouTube, choose one that sounds about right (I like Cure Anxiety) and experience a few hours of peace. I wish you all the best. There will be another agonising wait for results which you have to handle but don’t assume the worst. Trust that your surgeon got it right first time and find healthy and happy ways to preoccupy you in the days that follow.
From one non-imposter to another non-imposter, best of luck. Take good care of yourself. It’s nowhere near as bad as imagination suggests!
Jan xx
hi,
I also had a DCIS diagnosis just over a week ago. My surgery was Wednesday with my treatment plan expected next week.
I also feel like an imposter and as though I’m not worthy of the worry and concern.
I posted on the DCIS forum thread and then deleted my post, well you can’t deleted the post so my post is now called “deleted post”
it is a worrying time and you are allowed to feel anxious and concerned however I would recommend treating yourself. Read a book, a walk in the sunshine or a face mask in the bath. Whatever works for you. You deserve it.
I hope your surgery goes/has gone well xx