Guest guest Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a few years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can reassure her that I will be okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi - I'm Marisa - stage 1--just finished chemo in november--taking herceptin now... I'm 46 with an 8 year old son...and like you, my husband died 2.5 years ago, so I know how you feel...with regards to your daughter. (my son was 6 when his father died suddenly) I brought my son to meet my surgeon, and was and still am very open with him. THis is going to be hard for her...but I believe if you normalize it as much as you can, and introduce her to as many breast cancer survivors (melissa etheridge, sheila crowe...there are others as well) as you can, it will be OK > > Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed > with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed > my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find > people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and > bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells > me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what > exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I > don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a few > years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can reassure > her that I will be okay. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Hi Donna, Not to confuse things, but normally if you just have DCIS you are Stage 0, meaning there are cancer cells, but they have not invaded other cells. Stage 1 is the next stage and means you have IDC - that is the cancer cells have invaded and a tumor has formed. Note, you can have DCIS and IDC, which makes you at least stage 1. This website explains the various stages: http://www.breastcancer.org/dia_pict_staging.html The website is very useful in explaining things. Grade 3 means the cancer cells are fast-growing. Maybe you need to understand your diagnosis a little better before you talk to your daughter. The most positive thing is that this was discovered early, and perhaps you just need surgery, and no chemo or radiation. Not that a mastectomy is not a big deal, but take it from myself and others in the group who have been there, done that, you will get through this! take care, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 donna - btw, please feel free to write me off list if you want. msteffers@... marisa (NYC, mom to Jude) > > > > Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed > > with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed > > my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find > > people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and > > bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells > > me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what > > exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I > > don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a > few > > years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can > reassure > > her that I will be okay. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Thank you for that site. It was very informative. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Becky (arkansas) 20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, " This is the way; walk in it. " Isaiah 30:20 Re: New to the group. Hi Donna, Not to confuse things, but normally if you just have DCIS you are Stage 0, meaning there are cancer cells, but they have not invaded other cells. Stage 1 is the next stage and means you have IDC - that is the cancer cells have invaded and a tumor has formed. Note, you can have DCIS and IDC, which makes you at least stage 1. This website explains the various stages: http://www.breastca ncer.org/ dia_pict_ staging.html The website is very useful in explaining things. Grade 3 means the cancer cells are fast-growing. Maybe you need to understand your diagnosis a little better before you talk to your daughter. The most positive thing is that this was discovered early, and perhaps you just need surgery, and no chemo or radiation. Not that a mastectomy is not a big deal, but take it from myself and others in the group who have been there, done that, you will get through this! take care, __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 9, 2007 Report Share Posted January 9, 2007 Welcome, Donna: Each time that I hear of another person diagnosed with breast cancer of any kind, I lift her and her family up to God in prayer. You are no exception. This group will get you through whatever your diagnosis. We will cry with you, listen to whining (which is good for you to do, by the way). Being scared is part of not knowing what the diagnosis means, not knowing what the future holds, and lots, and lots, and lots of questions. We are all sisters here and welcome you with open hearts and arms. Questions? Probably. Lots of women are breast cancer survivors here. Seek and you will find. Take care. o o \_____/ Jan K texasmetalgirl dmclung@...> wrote: Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a few years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can reassure her that I will be okay. Jan Koelsch __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2007 Report Share Posted January 10, 2007 >I am a little confused, DCIS in most cases unless you perfer it, doesnt require a mastectomy. IF you are at Stage 1 I thought thats not considered DCIS? I have DCIS, stage 0, grade 3. But I had options of if I wanted a masectomy or not. I chose not to, just had the lumpectomy and radiation. With DCIS the option of removing the breast is basically a decision that the patient makes to ease their mind and not worry about the cancer coming back. Even though, my doctor told me, removing the breast its not a garentee it wont. But in either case, its a very very small percentage. For me, removing my breast was too much of a dreastic change for now. If need be, I will, but not right now. Hugs Char > Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed > with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed > my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find > people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and > bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells > me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what > exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I > don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a few > years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can reassure > her that I will be okay. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2007 Report Share Posted January 10, 2007 Hi Donna and welcome to the group. Stage 1 cancer is no bigger tha about one inch across (2 centimeters) and has not spread outside the breast. For the Histologic grade 3 means poorly differentiated cellular features and growth patterns. Nuclear grade 3 means cells have a high proliferation capacity with poorly differentiated tumor nulcei.If you go to www.webmd.com or www.breastcancer.org you should be able to find out a lot of info. Also call the American Cancer Society as they have all kinds of info they will send you. I will keep you and your daughter in my prayers. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com New to the group. Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a few years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can reassure her that I will be okay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.16.7/620 - Release Date: 1/8/2007 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2007 Report Share Posted January 10, 2007 Hi Char, It all depends where the DCIS is and how extensive it is, whether a mastectomy or lumpectomy is required. I am stage 1 with extensive DCIS and 2 tumors (together 1.05 cm). Because I am small breasted and had extensive DCIS I had a mastectomy after my lumpectomy. - Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2007 Report Share Posted January 10, 2007 I had a needle biopsy in November that showed only DCIS. The surgeon said he suspected that there was another kind of cancer as well because of the size of the tumor (3cm). He said DCIS often coexists w/ other cancers, and a biopsy only gets a small part of the tumor. After my mastectomy, the pathology report said the tumor was 10% DCIS and 90% IDC. > > Hi Char, > > It all depends where the DCIS is and how extensive it is, whether a > mastectomy or lumpectomy is required. I am stage 1 with extensive DCIS > and 2 tumors (together 1.05 cm). Because I am small breasted and had > extensive DCIS I had a mastectomy after my lumpectomy. > > - > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2007 Report Share Posted January 10, 2007 i can relate to you very much.i also had DCIS in August of this year.i am 52 years old.i had a mastectomy.i did not require chemo or radiation.it was diagnosed very early.i am now undergoing reconstruction.i wish now i had done reconstruction at the time of my mastectomy.it was such a shock though just wanted surgery done and over with.i have something to look forward to though this year my son and my daughter are both to be married this year.welcome to this group and wish you well in the future.Lynnette texasmetalgirl dmclung@...> wrote: Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a few years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can reassure her that I will be okay. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2007 Report Share Posted January 11, 2007 Dear Donna, I am 37 and was dx with DCIS (stage 0) in Aug. I had a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments. Our son is 4 and is adopted. He was abandoned at birth and spent his first year of life in an orphanage. Then we adopted him, and a year later, I spent 18 months in and out of the hospital with surgery and complications. And now the cancer. I was very worried about how this would affect him, and it did affect him. But I believe in a loving God who has a plan, and hope that these trials now will help him in the future. I found that reading children's books about mothers who are seriously ill or have cancer helped him verbalize his feelings, and reassured him. The books I used would probably be too young for your daughter, but I am sure that there are some young adult books that also deal with this theme. I bet your local librarian would be happy to help find some. Also, there are support groups for children who have trauma like this in their lives - I'm not sure, but I think that sib shop might even help. Good luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2007 Report Share Posted January 11, 2007 If I remember right, The American Cancer Society had a booklet for children whose parent was going through cancer. You might want to call and check with them. Hugs nne Breast Cancer Patients Soul Mates for Life http://www.geocities.com/chucky5741/breastcancerpatients.html BreastCancerStories.com http://www.breastcancerstories.com/content/view/433/161/ Angel Feather Loomer www.angelfeatherloomer.blogspot.com Check out my other ornaments at www.geocities.com/chucky5741/bcornament.html Lots of info and gifts at: www.cancerclub.com Re: New to the group. Dear Donna, I am 37 and was dx with DCIS (stage 0) in Aug. I had a lumpectomy and 33 radiation treatments. Our son is 4 and is adopted. He was abandoned at birth and spent his first year of life in an orphanage. Then we adopted him, and a year later, I spent 18 months in and out of the hospital with surgery and complications. And now the cancer. I was very worried about how this would affect him, and it did affect him. But I believe in a loving God who has a plan, and hope that these trials now will help him in the future. I found that reading children's books about mothers who are seriously ill or have cancer helped him verbalize his feelings, and reassured him. The books I used would probably be too young for your daughter, but I am sure that there are some young adult books that also deal with this theme. I bet your local librarian would be happy to help find some. Also, there are support groups for children who have trauma like this in their lives - I'm not sure, but I think that sib shop might even help. Good luck, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2007 Report Share Posted January 11, 2007 Lynnette, You WILL be ok..this is a small set back...You WILL BE OK--think it and BELIEVE it.. Lynnette Vardaman cyclonelynn@...> wrote: i can relate to you very much.i also had DCIS in August of this year.i am 52 years old.i had a mastectomy.i did not require chemo or radiation.it was diagnosed very early.i am now undergoing reconstruction.i wish now i had done reconstruction at the time of my mastectomy.it was such a shock though just wanted surgery done and over with.i have something to look forward to though this year my son and my daughter are both to be married this year.welcome to this group and wish you well in the future.Lynnette texasmetalgirl dmclung@...> wrote: Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a few years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can reassure her that I will be okay. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2007 Report Share Posted January 11, 2007 Hi , In some cities there is Gilda's club for families dealing with cancer. There are also programs for kids who have family members with cancer. Maybe there's one in your city you & your son could go to. http://www.gildasclub.org/ - wrote on 1/11/2007, 6:48 PM: > Dear Donna, > > I am 37 and was dx with DCIS (stage 0) in Aug. I had a lumpectomy and > 33 radiation treatments. > > Our son is 4 and is adopted. He was abandoned at birth and spent his > first year of life in an orphanage. Then we adopted him, and a year > later, I spent 18 months in and out of the hospital with surgery and > complications. And now the cancer. > > I was very worried about how this would affect him, and it did affect > him. But I believe in a loving God who has a plan, and hope that > these trials now will help him in the future. > > I found that reading children's books about mothers who are seriously > ill or have cancer helped him verbalize his feelings, and reassured > him. The books I used would probably be too young for your daughter, > but I am sure that there are some young adult books that also deal > with this theme. I bet your local librarian would be happy to help > find some. Also, there are support groups for children who have > trauma like this in their lives - I'm not sure, but I think that sib > shop might even help. > > Good luck, > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 11, 2007 Report Share Posted January 11, 2007 Donna, Stage one means that it has not spread to the nodes, that they are aware of. When they perform the surgery they will extract at least one node and if it has spread to there, then most likely the will want o extract more. If cells happen to be in the 1st node then you will be stage 2. My DD 37 with a `16 yr old son and 3yrold daughter was diagnosed in October had surgery a week later. The node came back will cells so they perfomed another surgery a week after that to remove more nodes. *8 out of 13 were positvie . she has had her first bout with Chemo and goes for the Next round next Tuesday. She is doing really well and is so postive about the whole thing, I ams o proud of her, although today her hair started to fall out and she had a total melt down. But she is so strong that I know she will snap back to the way she was and beat this monster...I worry about Abbi, the 3ys old reaction to her mom losing her hair because Abbi has wanted her's cut for so long. Abbi's hair is down to her but... I wish you well and you will certainly be in my prayers dramaw > > Hello everyone, I am Donna and I am a 36 yr old mom. I was diagnosed > with DCIS on Dec 17 and I had a second opinion today which confirmed > my need for a mastectomy. I am really scared and I am happy to find > people who can relate to what I am going thru. I will get a CT and > bonescan next, then speak to a reconstructive surgeon. The doc tells > me I am a Grade III Stage I. I am still trying to figure out what > exactly that means. I plan to tell my 11 yr old daughter tonight. I > don't think she will take this well at all. She lost her father a few > years ago and her grandmother only 2 weeks ago. I hope I can reassure > her that I will be okay. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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