Ductal carcinoma in situ. DCIS."Although breast cancer has been a human illness for thousands of years, ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS (also known as intraductal carcinoma) is a relatively new diagnosis. We are learning more about it all the time. Until mammography became a routine part of medical care, we didn't see much DCIS. Now, we do. Approximately 24% of all new breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are DCIS, with one case of DCIS detected per 1300 screening mammograms in North America." It is similar in Australia.
And I have it.
This site is a really good one for finding out more about DCIS if you are interested: Cancer Prevention Institute of California. Also from the (Australian) National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre. If you really want to know a lot, I have found this booklet from the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre extremely helpful.
Tomorrow I will be in day surgery having a lumpectomy - now called "breast conserving surgery" - for a tiny area of DCIS - no lump. And then some weeks later, will begin radiotherapy.
One day at a time, one step at a time, but I know all will be well. There is no invasive malignancy, and treating DCIS this early is one of the major advances in medicine, with extremely positive outcomes.
Have mammograms!!!
You have no idea how glad I did! In Australia, all women over 50 are invited to regular FREE screening mammograms. Women : make sure you go! Men: be supportive and encourage the women in your life to have a regular mammogram (every two years after age 50). That way, things can be detected really early, before there is any evidence of a lump or breast changes.
So sorry to learn this. All the very best for your treatment. Its good that you found it early. You know how strong you are.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this. I know quite a few women close to me who have had it recently and successfully fought it with treatment. All the best for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you! And yes, everything will be okay.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Sally! My sister came through her treatment very well. Hope you do to.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Sally - so sorry for the shock of your diagnosis, but I'm glad you're having such prompt treatment x
ReplyDeleteI'll be thinking of you Sally, as I have been in the past several days.
ReplyDeleteAll will be well.
ALL MY LOVE !
(my mammogram is scheduled for next Monday)
Sally, the biggest hug and kiss for tomorrow. As you say, and as I know with my sister, early diagnosis means a positive outcome. Realise how scary it must be but I feel so sure you will come out of this with flying colours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good post this is to help and warn others.
love as always and thinking positive thoughts. J xxx
Buona fortuna Sally.
ReplyDeleteVedrai che andrà tutto bene.
Maurizio from Italy
Hi Sally
ReplyDeleteGood Luck for tomorrow.
It'll be fine I know it will!
You are so strong... love your blogs you help me keep in touch with my beloved Sydney.
keep it up! we need you xxx
From London UK
Good luck for your treatment. In NEw Zealand, we get free mammogram, and still not every woman wants to be screened.
ReplyDeleteI smiled when I saw the first blogger commenting you is also an Ann.
This Ann is from Auckland.