My Journey with Breast Cancer: From Diagnosis to Treatment

Hi Lauren DCIS 0 here in March then lumpectomy and 20 radiations ,completed 2 weeks ago ..Doctors offered Tamoxofin but for me no thanks -too many proven side effects. If I get another it’s a double mastectomy for me - 100 percent. I want to live a healthy daily life not a drugged one as so many people have relapses after suffering Tamoxofin for up to 5 years.

FYI no gene mutations I had the blood test and all negative.

Hi Carole. Yes I hear Tamoxifen has a lot of side affects.

Carole, I had the same diagnosis. I don’t want the radiation either. How did you do with that? I am thinking double mastectomy to avoid tamoxifen and radiation. Would you do the radiation again? How do you feel that went?

The radiation was a breeze, in and out every day in 20 minutes. A slight dermatitis rash and a little pink, but nothing major. If there was any little floaters left I’m sure it got them as far as Tamoxifin I have never heard a good word about it and so I am not going near it. If I get another BC, I will have a double mastectomy. Good luck with yours. The radiation was the easiest part of all.

Yes radiation not that bad but it really makes you sleepy. I feel like I’m walking around in a fog and need to lay down a lot. But I hear it wears off a few weeks after treatment

During my 20 radiations, I did not feel any more tired than normal. I worked and I also volunteer as normal. I had absolutely no side effects from the radiation treatments, except some itching and pink and dermatitis which with the cream I bought online begins with the name, I forget the name and I’ve thrown it away And lots of Aquaphor. I got the spray bottle, took it with me and in the cubicle after every radiation I sprayed it on the breast. It comes out ice cold, and I feel that really did help. During the radiation. I did not wear a bra and more cotton clothing next to my skin.

What an incredible journey of strength and resilience through such challenging months. Navigating the unexpected changes from DCIS to stage 1, multiple procedures, and ongoing treatments while managing a genetic mutation requires tremendous courage. The medical team's thoroughness in checking lymph nodes and planning comprehensive treatment shows dedication to the best possible outcomes. Many others in this community have walked similar paths with hormone-blocking treatments and understand the complex emotions that come with each step of this process.