I was diagnosed with DCIS 10 days ago.Quite a surprise.
Went for my first routine mammogram 2 days after my 50th birthday end of April. Two weeks later had a letter to go back to hospital. Radiologist showed fibroadenoma in right breast and calcifications in both. Had a biopsy under ultrasound on right breast, then biopsies under mammogram on both left and right breasts. Five days later was given the result of breast cancer/DCIS in the ducts of my left breast, about 5cm in size, with expectation of op then radiotherapy later. Told that chemo is not required, nor tamoxifen, nor should I need a mastectomy.
Am back to the hospital tomorrow morning for a biopsy. Only a small part of the 5cm has been tested so they want to check more of it to prove the result. Then meeting with BCN on Friday for a fuller discussion and planning of treatment and will get a date to see the consultant/surgeon soon. Am invoking my private medical insurance that I have through work. That in my theory frees up an NHS bed for someone who doesn’t have insurance.
Probably I’m in denial and/or it’s not sunk in yet. I went on a business trip to Mexico the day after diagnosis and only arrived back yesterday with biospy planned tomorrow. Being away kept my mind occupied with work so no time to fret.
Have done a fair bit of reading about DCIS, think I’m not sure what to expect until I have the fuller meeting with BCN on Friday and whenever the meeting with the consultant/surgeon is. Not really worrying although sure that will come at some point. I really hate injenctions and needles but can now just about manage local anaesthetics without freaking. Never had a general anesthetic and never been in hospital so surgery would be my first.
I guess I’ll know more on Friday what is planned. Kind of think my BCN has got some details wrong, that it’s not what she said it is, that it’s less. Brain isn’t expecting more! Most likely my feelings are normal, I’m still in the “need more details” stage to process any of it - I’m one of those people who likes to know all the “ins and outs” details!
More worried that it will exacerbate my anxiety, stress and depression as 2 years ago I was off work for 3 months and have been in Citalopram anti-depressants ever since then. But also if radiotherapy is required, wondering what effect that might have on me physicallyand emotionally. Will quite happily take time off work for any recovery or chance to relax, my employer and boss are supportive. As is my boyfriend and famiy of course.
Thanks for any hints or tips you can give about what I might could expect to happen, have read a lot of posts on here and so much useful info and care 
Will update this threadas and when I get news.
Hi Jane
My DCIS was also about 5cm, so I had to decide whether to have a mastectomy and reconstruction, or a therapeutic mammoplasty (basically breast reduction surgery that also removes the cancer.) I opted for the therapeutic mammoplasty but was told I could still need a mastectomy depending on the results.
I’m happy with the cosmetic outcome, I needed a margin shave plus two reduction operations to the other side for symmetry. I had radiotherapy and take tamoxifen.
So I’m almost two years on from being in your shoes, it was a huge shock to me and feels like it was a bit of a journey to get to here. So give yourself time to process all of this, I think DCIS is a difficult diagnosis to get your head round, because on the one hand you’re told how lucky you are to have such a favourable diagnosis, but on the other you have a large area which needs to be removed.
Someone else recommended a book about DCIS, written by an Australian professor of breast cancer. I really wish I’d had it when I was first diagnosed. It’s by John Voyages and called DCIS of the Breast, Taking Control.
It’s hugely reassuring about the outcomes, I found it really helpful. Its on Amazon and available on kindle.
In emotional terms, I did end up back on antidepressants, though I’m not sure whether that was down to the breast cancer or the effects of tamoxifen. Everyone is different, but if you need to up your dose for a while, I wouldn’t worry. You need to be kind to yourself while you get through the next few months, accept all the help and support that’s available and don’t push yourself to be back at work and back to normal. We all take our own time and it isn’t a process that can be rushed.
Sending you a hug, and hope everything turns out well for you.
Xxx
Hello Jane and Dizzybee,
thank you for the recommendation of the book Dizzybee - I ordered from Amazon and it arrived yesterday - I had my mastectomy and Diep over a year ago but the book will still be useful to me.
My DCIS was over 5cm and high grade. I have a copy of my pathology report and I see the book will explain some of the technical stuff to me.
I’m having the symmetry surgery to my good side in a few weeks, hope you get on well Jane,
best wishes, girly x
Quick update:
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy planned for 21st June to ensure that nothing has escaped from the DCIS. Not expected that it has but anyway.
Assuming all ok on that, most likely outcome is mastectomy with LD flap reconstruction. My BMI is over the recommended threshold for DIEP and I don’t fancy 100% implant only, so I can hopefully get a somewhat naturalish “new” breast.
Emotionally fragile, now working part time until the little op then will be off for a week or so to recover (even though it’s a short op, it will be my first ever operation under general anaesthetic - I’m not fit so going overboard to take it easy for recovery just in case).
Despite fragility in emotions, I have lots of family, friends and work support, and forums such as this are a mine of wonderful information, help, support and advice, so thanks to all of you.
Jane.
Hi Jane,
Glad to hear the lymph nodes were clear and you have a plan for treatment all set up.
My situation is similar, having been diagnosed 2 weeks ago with DCIS in my left breast. I had sentinal node removal op last week and am awaiting the results now. I need an MX and want an immediate reconstruction so I saw my BCN yesterday and we went through options for the recon and I wrestling with that issue at the moment.
Unfortunately I can’t have the DIEP I wanted (due to my BMI being a bit too high) so it looks like the best (or at least safest) option is the LD flap with lipo filling, which is what you’ve opted for. I can have a TRAM but it’s much more risky and both procedures come with muscle weakness as a likely long term outcome, which concerns me somewhat. It’s hard to know which one would be best. Tbh I like the idea of the mini tummy tuck which comes with the TRAM (some small compensation for the loss of a breast!) though obviously that’s not a good enough reason in itself to choose that option! Apparently I need to make a decision in the next day or so, so I’m feeling a bit stressed about the potential ramifications of my decision and my head’s a bit mashed. The op will probably be in a week or 2’s time. (apparently they act quickly in Chorley, which is great in many ways, but it does feel a bit like I’m on a runaway train!)
Anyway, I hope your op goes well in August. I think it’s a good idea to schedule it around the wedding and little weekend get away because It will give you something fun to focus on and you can have a nice break before the other ‘fun’ starts! I’d had a similar thought and have booked an overnight break this weekend in Llandudno, so I can chill out by the sea and have a bit of quality time with my hubby before it all kicks off!
If I were you I’d definately take the time off to relax before your op (it’s the least you deserve) but obviously you know what’s best for you.
Take care,
Smodge xx