Good morning all from HOT and steamy north carolina usa
I’m an implanted Brit, moved here 4 years ago and I’m so glad my sis found this forum and shared with me.
I’m newly diagnosed with breast cancer, had a double simple mastectomy on july 23rd
Had my drains out last week, thank goodness. And am waiting to see the oncology team in 13 days to sort a treatment plan. I had DCIS and they took additional tissue and found lymph nodes with cancer in them.
It’s all to much for my mind at the moment, but i feel kind of lost. A million questions, like a laundry list for the oncologist!
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Hello. I had a double mastectomy on July 25 - IDC and DCIS in right and DCIS in left. They also did sentinel node biopsy, so like you, am waiting to see what the plan is next. Can I ask how you discovered the DCIS?
I found a lump and was set for lumpectomy and radiotherapy but they went back and looked at mammograms and found the calcifications and then biopsy found to be DCIS.
I think it’s just taking it hour by hour and day by day. I’m trying to do something every day, walking lots and went back to the gym - still unsure if I’ll need to have another operation if they find lymph spread.
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Welcome to the forum @lynn3
I am really sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It’s no wonder you have a lot of questions for your oncologist as there is so much information to take in. The forum is a very kind place and I hope you find the support that you are looking for. Please do have a look around as there have been many discussions on different topics over the years that may be helpful to you - from questions to ask at appointments, to drug side effects and complementary therapies.
We also have the Ask our Nurses your questions topics board however it’s important to note that their information and clinical knowledge is specific to the UK.
Sending our warmest,
Lucy
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Thanks for response.
I had a routine mammo and went for follow up and her told me of pathology. However years prior, about 17 years ago i had blood coming from that nope and they removed some of the milk ducts. But at no point did i imagine this body and mammo would change my life. Yes loads of questions but in time it will all be clear as crystal.
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It’s just the waiting and the uncertainty of what’s next that’s the worst.
I actually don’t mind the double mastectomy- recovery is ok, saw physio today who said I can start back at the gym… I’m just always thinking about if I need another operation for lymph nodes and recovering all over again.
I’m hoping to hear this week, hope we both get answers soon xx
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Hi Lynn! Welcome! I hope you’re at a NCI hospital in NC. They’ve got a few. As far as questions, we’ll be glad to help you in anyway we can. We all know this is such a confusing time but it does get better once all the questions are answered and treatment can begin.
Truly hope you get answers you are looking for like myself thank you for your response. I’ve truly not worried about having the double mastectomy. Moving forward and looking at treatment plan with my oncologist is the bit that worries me. I truly wish you the best in this journey and let’s keep this conversation flowing.
Thank you Lucy very uplifting response and I am just so grateful that I have UK people to talk to In This Very foreign place Called Home for now. The USA Medical system is hard to navigate and understand as well costing so much more
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Thank you for your response I am currently just in a regional Healthcare System here in North Carolina and have chosen a local oncologist who I will assess on Monday week when we talk treatment plan. Duke University will be my follow-up and a oncologist recommended by my primary care doctor but to get to either is a long journey for me in rural North Carolina. Thanks for your response again I look forward to being able to follow up.