So yesterday after 3 long weeks, I was told a biopsy of micro calcifications shows I have high grade dcis. They also saw another 3mm calcification that they wanted to biopsy yesterday but it was too faint and after many attempts to find it they told me they couldn’t biopsy it. It will instead be biopsied during my lumpectomy and possibly need a second operation. I had felt relatively calm but actually coming on here and reading about reoccurring dcis and invasive cancers, I’m feeling more stressed and worried than ever. I am particularly fearful of the high grade! I’m also worried about the operation as I have high blood pressure which is well controlled but I get terrible white coat syndrome.
I’m rambling but I’m now really scared.
Sorry you find yourself here. Please do ring the number on here and speak to a nurse also maybe look at the option someone like me. I think most of us went off into orbit at the start but as treatments start and your plans put in place by your team you will settle into a routine, please remember they have seen it all before and know what to do and will take care of you please remember all treatments are tailored specifically to you and your team will do their very best. Breast Cancer Now is here for you do keep reaching out we’re all here Shi xx
I was diagnosed with high grade DCIS on December 1st 2024. Since then I’ve had 2 operations and am due to see my surgeon on Tuesday for results of latest surgery and what, if any, treatment I need next. I hear you @charlie55. I felt very scared before my first operation. I think the shock of diagnosis took some time for me to process and it all took its toll on my mind, emotions and body. I felt exhausted with the amount of mental and emotional energy I was expanding. I felt scared by the unknown in the situation. You are not alone is what I’m trying to say. I was reassured that every thing I felt and still feel is normal and I sought support from the breast care nurses at my hospital whenever I needed it. One thing that helped and continues to help is simply focusing on taking care of myself each and every day, doing what I want when I want and easing up on myself. Sending a hug and every good wish, Catherine <3
Hi Charlie55, I was diagnosed with DCIS in October 2019 after a biopsy of micro calcifications. I was in too much shock to ask the grade at the time. I was absolutely terrified before my lumpectomy and scared that I wouldn’t wake up after the general anaesthetic to the point that I bought a keepsake for my young daughter in case I didn’t see her again. I found my breast care nurse a great source of comfort especially in those pre op days and she made me feel no question was too daft for me to ask to try to help calm my nerves. I also told the anaesthetist on the day of my lumpectomy that I was really nervous and they can give you something to help calm your nerves before the operation. It can take a little longer for you to come around afterwards but I found it really helped me.
They found invasive cancer when they analysed the results of my lumpectomy and they didn’t have clear margins so I needed a second lumpectomy and sentinel lympth node biopsy to see if the cancer had spread. I was worried because I was still sore and healing from my first lumpectomy but the surgeon told me it was easier to do the second while my skin was still healing.
I found journaling really helped me as I was able to be honest with myself about how I was feeling and what worried me. I also found ‘The complete guide to breast cancer’ by Dr Liz O’Riordan and Professor Trisha Greenhaigh really useful.
My cancer was HER2 positive so I needed chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy afterwards. I found the forums on here an absolute life saver especially going through chemo. Fast forward 5 years and I’ve just got my 5 year no sign of disease. I remember at the time my breast care nurse telling me that it’s a treadmill and you’ve just got to keep going until you get to the end. That stuck with me as there were many times that I thought I couldn’t do it.
Wishing you all the best with your treatment x
also maybe look at the option someone like me. I think most of us went off into orbit at the start but as treatments start and your plans put in place by your team you will settle into a routine, please remember they have seen it all before and know what to do and will take care of you 
