The results have come back and I have what is called ductal carcinoma in situ in both locations that were biopsied. This was caught early and is not in my lymph nodes. I will see a surgeon next week, at which time I will be evaluated and surgery scheduled -- I anticipate lumpectomies and radiation. Everything will be fine and I'll get through this.
Thanks for being there for me, everyone - it's amazing how the support from a bunch of internet friends helps - I'm sure FP can attest to that too.
All will be fine - just a little road bump.
*vent/rant*
Last night, my mother called and told me she had discussed me with her oncologist and he is saying I should have my ovaries removed as the hormones exacerbate female cancers, and I'm like, I just can't deal with all of this at once - plus it was before I was even diagnosed - I really wish she hadn't shared that with me yet, it's really bothering me - I just want to get through one thing at a time. My gyno instructed me to go off my BC pills too - with my luck I'll probably develop a bad case of acne being off them... I had plans to go out tonight with friends and I'm still planning on it - I need to get out and get my mind off things. At this time, I guess I'm just feeling scared and angry, and I guess a bit shocked.
ok - while I was writing this I got a call from the surgeon's office and they scheduled me for Monday, the same time my mother's surgery is taking place - so I just called my mom to tell her and she unnecessarily had to add in - and I tried to stop her - "it'll be interesting to see if she'll recommend a lumpectomy or breast removal" jesus freaking christ *oh yeah, mom - thanks for planting the seed - just gotta get in the most drastic prospect in there for me to mull over over the weekend - I mean really - did she need to add that in? she's already telling me I need to get my ovaries removed and all this crap - I really just don't need the extreme speculation right now, you know?*
*end vent/rant*
ugh.
ETA: correct terminology
-- Edited by D at 15:55, 2006-07-21
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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
Everything will be fine and you will get through this. Everything will be fine and you will get through this. Everything will be fine and you will get through this. Everything will be fine and you will get through this. Everything will be fine and you will get through this.
Hang in there - we're pulling for ya!
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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment ~ {Ralph Waldo Emerson}
Thanks for being there for me, everyone - it's amazing how the support from a bunch of internet friends helps - I'm sure FP can attest to that too.
I couldn't agree more!!!
Well, I'm glad they caught it early, just stay positive. You can do this! This will all soon be a distant memory (at least that's what I keep telling myself ). We're always here if you need to talk.
Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is an early form of carcinoma defined by the absence of invasion of surrounding tissues. In other words, the neoplastic cells proliferate in their normal habitat, hence the name 'in situ' (Latin for 'in its place'). For example, carcinoma in situ of the skin, also called Bowen's disease is the accumulation of neoplastic epidermal cells within the epidermis only.
For this reason, CIS will usually not form a tumor. Rather, the lesion is flat (in the skin, cervix, etc) or follows the existing architecture of the organ (in the breast, lung, etc). Some CIS, however, form tumors, for example colon polyps or papillary cancer of the bladder.
Many forms of cancer originate from a 'carcinomas in situ' (CIS) lesion. Therefore, CIS is considered a precursor that may, if left untreated long enough, transform into a more malignant form of neoplasm, invasive carcinoma or, in common language, "cancer".
Many doctors will not refer to 'carcinoma in situ' as "cancer" when explaining a labratory report to a patient. However, because most forms of CIS have a real potential to turn into invasive carcinoma, CIS is usually treated much the same way as a malignant tumor.
That's good right? Or at least it could be a lot worse?
I hope everything goes well for you, D. Stay strong!
Hugs to you, girl! I'm sure this isn't exactly the news you were hoping to hear, but the (very) good news is that it's not in your lymph nodes. I think going out with your friends tonight is an excellent idea--go out and (try) to keep your mind off things.
As for your mom, I'm sorry about what she says to you. It sounds like she's trying to be helpful, but just remember, she's not a doctor (correct me if I'm wrong) and her doctor's "recommendation" is based solely on what your mom has described to him, which it sounds like is probably not accurate, seeing as how you didn't even have a diagnosis yet. So her doctor is making a completely uninformed decision and chances are, she's interpreting his words to mean whatever they sound like in her head, which may not actually be what the doctor said. Does that make sense? The point is--try not to let it get to you. Get through the weekend, treat yourself to something fun, and then deal with Monday on Monday.
Sorry you have to go through all of this. You must be exhausted from it all. (((hugs)))
Ugh. So sorry to hear this. And your mom is such a...well, I'll try to refrain from mom bashing. Please try to release those thoughts - you are right to handle one thing at a time. I am sorry you are having to go through this. Stay positive and do whatever you need to do to stay calm until Monday - even if that includes morning wine/vodka/tequilla drinking! I'll be sending good thoughts your way.
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Who do you have to probe around here to get a Chardonnay? - Roger the Alien from American Dad
D...I never posted in you first post but feel compelled to now.
From the little I know of you, you are a very strong smart woman. It is amazing the way we can deal with these things as women. The profound affect it can have on our thought process as we digest health isuues that are rooted in just that, being a woman. Take it one step at a time, which you seem to be doing very well. Don't let you mother, or anyone else for that matter, plant seed that get you too far ahead of yourself. In part I want to say your mother is just being a mother and protecting you from things getting any worse in her mind...but that is the cutting of the nose despite the face theory.
I will keep you in my thoughs as well. I know you will make smart well thought out secisions that are best for you. In the meantime enjpy some noght, like tonight, out and treat yourself well, you deserve it.
I thought this was interesting...from Wikipedia Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is an early form of carcinoma defined by the absence of invasion of surrounding tissues. In other words, the neoplastic cells proliferate in their normal habitat, hence the name 'in situ' (Latin for 'in its place'). For example, carcinoma in situ of the skin, also called Bowen's disease is the accumulation of neoplastic epidermal cells within the epidermis only. For this reason, CIS will usually not form a tumor. Rather, the lesion is flat (in the skin, cervix, etc) or follows the existing architecture of the organ (in the breast, lung, etc). Some CIS, however, form tumors, for example colon polyps or papillary cancer of the bladder. Many forms of cancer originate from a 'carcinomas in situ' (CIS) lesion. Therefore, CIS is considered a precursor that may, if left untreated long enough, transform into a more malignant form of neoplasm, invasive carcinoma or, in common language, "cancer". Many doctors will not refer to 'carcinoma in situ' as "cancer" when explaining a labratory report to a patient. However, because most forms of CIS have a real potential to turn into invasive carcinoma, CIS is usually treated much the same way as a malignant tumor. That's good right? Or at least it could be a lot worse? I hope everything goes well for you, D. Stay strong!
more specifially, this is what I was diagnosed with (also from wikipedia):
Ductal carcinoma in situ
Ductal carcinoma in situ (or DCIS) is the most common type of noninvasive breast cancer in women. Ductal carcinoma refers to the development of cancer cells within the milk ducts of the breast. In situ means “in place” and refers to the fact that the cancer has not moved out of the duct and into any surrounding tissue. DCIS can be difficult to detect by physical examination and is usually discovered through a mammogram as very small specs of calcium known as microcalcifications.
Yes, it could be worse - it could have gone into my lymph nodes and I'd really be screwed.
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"Fashion can be bought. Style one must possess." ~ Edna Woolman Chase
i am so sorry that you are going through this. you are incredibly lucky to catch it at this stage- and yes, you will get absolutely through this and we are all here for you. i'm sorry that your mom is being so insensitive. sending all good thoughts and wishes your well, k.
You are so strong and such an inspirtion to all of us! Just try to ignore your mom and pin it as "typical" mom behavior. Thanks for the update! We will be with you every step of the way!!!
You will be fine and we will be here--always. and please please please, if there's anything at all that I can do to help lighten the load, just say the word.
Oh hon, I have been thinking about you all week. You have a great attitude about all this and I am sooo glad they caught this early. I'm glad you prepared yourself for the worst but I'm glad the worst isn't happening.
You soooo deserve that new purse! You've been through hell this week.
D, you completely rock. You're taking this all in stride and I'm proud to call you a friend (albeit internet but hey, who cares, right?).
You're going to fly through this surgery and be back to 100% in virtually no time. I have all the faith in the world in you.
As for your mother, imho, you should either not give her a chance to bring you down by not talking to her or try to find a way to let whatever she says slide right off you, because one thing you don't need is negativity. I don't know why she acts the way she acts but you can't fix her. If it were me, I'd find a way to communicate information to her (via email or something) without having to talk to her. Who cares if you offend her? You shouldn't have to spend your time telling her why she's wrong right now. You are your priority.
I'm thinking about you!! Have fun with your friends and to answer your other question, you deserve that fabulous Fendi. Too bad it won't get here for your night out!