DCIS

[ParksidePen]

I found a lump about the size of a pea in my left breast earlier in the summer. I went to the GP who said it was a skin cyst and gave me antibiotics. It didn’t go, and after two further trips to the GP to push she agreed to refer me to the Breast Clinic.

When I went to the Breast Clinic they agreed that it was a skin cyst but offered me an ultrasound and a mammogram as I’m over 40. That found calcifications in my other breast, so now, after two further biopsies and an MRI I’ve been told I have a medium / high grade DCIS which is about 11cm.

I’ve been offered a mammoplasty and then it will be most likely radiotherapy. My breasts are large (40J) which is why (I think) I’ve not been given a masectomy. They’ve said it’s unlikely they’ll be able to save my nipple.

I’m just so bewildered by this all. What should I expect to happen? What do I need to be thinking about? I’m having the operation next month. What will the recovery be like? I’m 44, my daughter is 4. I feel like I’ve somehow got this wrong writing it all down, like it’s happening to someone else.

Really grateful to hear anyone’s experiences.

A family member of mine had this diagnosis. She also didn’t have a masectomy, in her case because she was too high risk for the anaesthetic.
I can’t really help beyond that, but wanted to wish you well with your recovery. I hope someone with more experience comes along shortly.

@ParksidePen
Sorry that you’ve had to come onto here.
I can’t help be because I was diagnosed with IDC and had a lumpectomy and SNB last month and am recovering well. Apparently my tumour was larger than seen on mammogram and ultrasound. I also had DCIS but I don’t the detail as the histology is still embargoed on the NHS app.
If you don’t get any useful replies I recommend the forums on MacMillan and Breastcancernow where I’m sure someone will have more relevant experience.