Feeling really scared

[Ilmiopinguino]

I've just been diagnosed with DCIS grade 3, oestrogen positive, her2 negative. It's all happening really quickly and I'm trying to understand everything but I keep panicking. The nurse at the appointment said the prognosis was really good, looking at cure. They need to do surgery and might be able to save some breast tissue or it might be a mastectomy. I've just got really scared since the mri that there'll be more cancer. I'm scared that because it's grade 3 it will have spread, or if it hasn't yet I'm going to always be frightened. I can't stop thinking that I'm going to die. Every little twinge is making me scared. I'm just so scared. Anyone there for a handhold?

I will hold your hand,as if that's what you need.

As a bit of reassurance, over 25 years ago I had dcis stage 3 and the oncologist said if you have to get breast cancer, this is the best one to get.

So, hand hold, and chin up. I know it's scary getting a cancer diagnosis of any kind, but you've got your diagnosis now and a plan of action.

Thank you. I'd been doing better at being positive but I'm spiralling tonight. Thanks for being reassuring. Have you been well since?

I really wish you'd not asked that 😐.

because the answer is yes and no. All the no s are unrelated to the dcis diagnosis. And, by and large I've had a good 20 odd years.

My oldest friend had breast cancer (though not dcis, much worse) in her late 20s. She's now in her mid 60s and still going strong too.

a wise woman once said "cancer is a word, not a sentence" . Hang on in there, despite this, like me, you are one of the "lucky" ones. You've got the "best" kind - according to my oncologist all those years ago 😁

I've had this, and Im fine now - back to triatholons, etc.

Im in the middle of chemo now. 4 more sessions then a mastectomy. I was expecting to be really ill (watched way too many films) my life is totally normal (bar my weekly trip to have my chemo) i feel totally fine. I have a great wig from amazon that my hairdresser cut so it looks completely natural

Other than hair loss. No side affects whatsoever. The treatment is working and im looking forward to my boob job

My advice is to not give it headspace. I honestly don't really think about it until my appointment

I had the same, and the breast nurse also said"if you have to get cancer, this is the one to get, they can fix this one".

I'm three years down the line and all clear. Back to running twice a week, life as normal.

The fear and panicking at every little twinge is also normal. The word cancer is the most appalling shock. But that fear fades too, in time.

Take it a day at a time. Listen to the health advice and be kind to yourself. xx