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Please share your Stage 0 (DCIS) experience.
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jackiefox12 (Survivor (2 - 5 years)) - 08 / 12 / 2011
Well, that would take a book--ha ha--but a highlight would be that I had never heard of stage 0 breast cancer. I thought it only came in stages 1 through 4. The first thing my doctor told me was that my DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is not life-threatening. So I felt very lucky. When three different doctors recommended a mastectomy I went from feeling lucky to feeling very sorry for myself. I had to make my peace with something I considered pretty drastic for a non-life threatening cancer. Once I did, I went back to feeling lucky.
It's a wonderful diagnosis to have because the prognosis is so good, but you still have emotions and treatment choices that are similar to more advanced cancers. One thing I think is unique to stage 0 cancer is that you can feel a bit sheepish about it, and wonder if you're entitled to call yourself a survivor. I felt that way for awhile and I've talked to other women with stage 0 cancer who did too. But it's a big tent and the members are welcoming. I've never met a woman with advanced cancer who made me feel like I had "Cancer Light."
It's a wonderful diagnosis to have because the prognosis is so good, but you still have emotions and treatment choices that are similar to more advanced cancers. One thing I think is unique to stage 0 cancer is that you can feel a bit sheepish about it, and wonder if you're entitled to call yourself a survivor. I felt that way for awhile and I've talked to other women with stage 0 cancer who did too. But it's a big tent and the members are welcoming. I've never met a woman with advanced cancer who made me feel like I had "Cancer Light."
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