DCIS
I was diagnosed with DCIS. Some people have commented to me that this is a "pre-cancer." I was fortunate it was found at "stage 0." Unfortunately, it was peppered throughout both of my breasts, so I had to have a double mastectomy. Fortunately, it was found very early through an annual mammogram, and my surgeon was able to get clear margins, so I did not need chemo, radiation, or any medication.
It stings a little when I hear people call this a "pre-cancer." Having a double mastectomy was pretty devastating. I never thought I'd have a day where I didn't think about losing my breasts. I am 11 years cancer-free, and I don't think about it every day like I thought I would.
I also had DCIS, stage 0. I was given the option of a lumpectomy or double mastectomy as a precaution. I chose the lumpectomy, went thru months of radiation and "got over it". Until the cancer came back again 3 years later and I had no choice but to proceed with the mastectomy. I don't know about you - and this may sound silly to say - but I truly felt a sense of Guilt that I was "just diagnosed stage 0". Yes radiation was not fun but I didn't have to go thru chemo. Why would I talk about this when so many others were going through worse experiences than I? Once I chose the mastectomy, I did speak about it. I used it as a precaution to other women and I wanted to support those who were recently diagnosed.
At the end of the day - as they say, it's a club you never want to be a part of - we are all experiencing this horrible thing called Cancer. We should not be ashamed. We should reach out and talk with others. We all understand what this is like, despite our experiences being different.
Glad we're here now to talk this out!
I completely understand the guilty feelings!! My surgeon didn't help by telling me I had the "garden variety breast cancer." I wanted to ask her if she had a double mastectomy, too! I was devastated!
We experienced trauma, and most people would agree.
I'm thankful for this forum to talk about all of this!