newly diagnosed

Diagnosed DCIS 10 days ago.  Nuclear Grade 2, cribriform and solid - I have as yet no other info.  Surgeon wants to do lumpectomy Jan 8th and radiation.  I am diabetic and have a very stressful home (my son is schizophrenic and lives at home).  My GGmother died of BC, on my mothers side, I have no idea about my fathers family, all gone - never knew them except alot of them died of various cancers.  I asked about mastectomy - surgeons reply was they practice breast conservation. Did not ask me about any other risk factors, I am not scheduled to see an oncologist until the day before sx.  I am afraid.

I am newly diagnosed with colon cancer and new to this forum, which has been so very helpful I hope you will find it so in your case.

I am a major fan of learning everything, believing that knowledge of one's disease is empowering so since I haven't any direct knowledge I wonder perhaps if it might help you to read the best information out there on the internet, and recommend reading at this link:

 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dcis/DS00983

I can fully empathisize with your family traumas. Makes life tough enough without this, right?

 

m l

 

On 1/1/2009 merisea wrote:

I am newly diagnosed with colon cancer and new to this forum, which has been so very helpful I hope you will find it so in your case.

I am a major fan of learning everything, believing that knowledge of one's disease is empowering so since I haven't any direct knowledge I wonder perhaps if it might help you to read the best information out there on the internet, and recommend reading at this link:

 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dcis/DS00983

I can fully empathisize with your family traumas. Makes life tough enough without this, right?

 

m l

Thankyou so much for your kind reply.  I have visited that web site, more info the better!  I am concerned that the stress levels in my home and my diabeties increase the likelyhood of a recurrance if I have the lumpectomy.  About 2 wks ago there was a news report on a study that said if you are diabetic you are 61% more likely to die of breast cancer than if you are not.  My surgeon did not even offer mastectomy as an option.  JT

 

On 1/1/2009 merisea wrote:

I am newly diagnosed with colon cancer and new to this forum, which has been so very helpful I hope you will find it so in your case.

I am a major fan of learning everything, believing that knowledge of one's disease is empowering so since I haven't any direct knowledge I wonder perhaps if it might help you to read the best information out there on the internet, and recommend reading at this link:

 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dcis/DS00983

I can fully empathisize with your family traumas. Makes life tough enough without this, right?

 

m l

Thankyou so much for your kind reply.  I have visited that web site, more info the better!  I am concerned that the stress levels in my home and my diabeties increase the likelyhood of a recurrance if I have the lumpectomy.  About 2 wks ago there was a news report on a study that said if you are diabetic you are 61% more likely to die of breast cancer than if you are not.  My surgeon did not even offer mastectomy as an option.  JT

mastectomy should be an option.  Its kind of radical for DCIS but studies have shown that with lumpectomy alone about 30% of patients will either have the DCIS return or invasive cancer return within 10 years.  With mastectomy this number is less than 10%.  So you should be fine with lumpectomy, but if you have concerns about recurrence and if cosmetics is not a big deal then it should be considered.

I agree with Oncrx that mastectomy SHOULD be an option, but your surgeon may feel that with your diabetes, it would not be a good option, and not just from the standpoint of breast conservation.  In general, the more invasive the surgery, the more traumatic it is to the body, and the more difficult from which to recover.  Diabetes complicates this further.  Mastectomy will require more time under anesthesia than lumpectomy.  It will also create more need for tissue healing, (and possibly more opportunity for infection.) The stress is greater on diabetics than non-diabetics.  It's a delicate balance, trying to decide whether to take the road that offers the best results for the short - term, or to increase present risk in hopes of a better long-term outcome.

It is not uncommon to have only one appt with the oncologist before surgery.  (Many people do not have their first visit with an oncologist until after surgery.)  Until the cancer is removed, the area is looked at thoroughly to assess for invasion, and at least the preliminary pathology report has been received, the oncologist will not know for sure just what drugs to use and how much. This first visit is to give you a chance to learn what you might be facing, and to ask questions. The oncologist probably has an idea of what he/she would like to give in the way of treatment, and probably will discuss that with you, but until they know more definitely from the surgery more exact details about your situation, there probably really is no reason for more than just that one visit.

One question that you should ask when you do make that first visit to the oncologist:  does he have experience dealing with diabetics, and what precautions will he take to keep you safe. (What is he going to do to guide you through the changes that chemo is going to bring about in regard to diet, insulin or other medications, etc.)

Consider trying to find a naturopathic/holistic practitioner to help you through the surgery, chemo and recovery; preferably someone who is willing to advise you on diet, naturals, and supplements as complementary therapy to help speed your recovery, control your diabetes, as well as to fight the cancer. 

Also, I recommend that you start now to find a cancer support group in your area.  Your surgeon and/or oncologist should be able to help with that. You might also talk to whomever treats your son for his schizophrenia - see what they can offer in the way of support groups, people in the community who have dealth with this type of situation before, therefore might have good advise and possibly be able to offer hands-on support as well. The American Cancer Society might be able to give you good contact information:  http://americancancersociety.org/docroot/home/index.asp

I wish you the very best.  Please let us know how you are doing after your surgery.

Sincerely,

Tre

My biggest regret was not becoming more educated before I had surgery. Althought you may feel very panicked ask the surgeon if it will hurt to delay a few weeks so that you have time to adjust and think first. Then go out and buy Dr. Love's breast book and read it cover to cover. You wil then have much more info about your tumor and how it should be treated. Put the brakes on if you can and find out everything you can. Then make a list of questions to ask. The results of your biopsy should be enough for the Med. Onc. to at least be able to give you some info before surgery. But how you are yreated post op depends on whether your margins and nodes are clear. Also check around for a place where a team of Doctors work together. think about going to a big research hospital like the mayp Clinic or Sloan Kettering or even a Cancer Center. Good Luck and calm down. I went through a horrible emotional crisis but after four months I'm sane again and cured I hope as well.