DCIS, or ductal carcinoma in situ, is a noninvasive breast cancer located in the breast within the milk ducts. Breastcancer.org states that there is an approximate 30 percent chance of DCIS recurring and that patients who have had DCIS are more likely to get an invasive breast cancer than people who have never had DCIS. Although the condition is not life threatening, many patients find a cancer diagnosis frightening.
Instructions
Cope with DCIS
1. Work with your physician to obtain treatment for DCIS. Treatment may include lumpectomy, radiation, hormonal therapy or mastectomy. According to Breastcancer.org, lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy is the most common treatment.
2. Manage your time. While undergoing treatment, there will be appointments and procedures that will cause you to miss time at work or home. For example, if you are receiving daily radiation, you may need to take a hiatus from work or quit work during the treatment. The American Cancer Society recommend delegating tasks and declining social responsibilities if they become overwhelming. Ask for help if you need it; if people are willing, let them save you time and energy by performing tasks like child care or grocery shopping.
3. Look into breast reconstruction options if you are having a mastectomy. A mastectomy may be performed when the cancer is widespread within the ducts, or if you have a family history of breast cancer.
4. Educate yourself about DCIS. According to the Mayo Clinic, learning more about treatments will better prepare you for the challenges ahead. The American Cancer Society holds disease-specific courses where you can learn more about DCIS and the treatment options available.
5. Find a support system. This may be an understanding friend, a counselor or an organized support group. A support group of breast cancer survivors understands your situation and can give you hope.
6. Understand your financial obligations. The American Cancer Society recommends contacting your insurance provider and the social worker at your hospital to go over insurance coverage and the financial impact that your treatment may have.
7. Rest. Going through treatment is exhausting, emotionally and physically. Allow yourself time to rest uninterrupted during the night and possibly with naps during the day. Follow your physician's protocol for resting after a procedure like a lumpectomy or mastectomy, or therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation.
8. Plan for follow-up. When a lumpectomy alone is the method of treatment, expect to have regular and frequent follow up appointments and screenings to see if the cancer has returned. If you receive hormonal therapy, long-term use is likely and you will require frequent visits to monitor treatment.
Tags: breast cancer, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, about DCIS
