Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer

Looking after your health and wellbeing prior to treatment will help you to be in the best place you can be, to manage treatment and its side effects. 

Some tips to help you prepare for: 

• Surgery- a wire free, front closing bra, button-up PJs/nightshirt and a wrap can be useful items to bring to hospital. 
• Chemotherapy- scarves, turbans or sleep hats can be helpful to protect your scalp; scalp cooling (may be offered by your treating centre to reduce hairloss); a soft toothbrush, alcohol-free mouthwash for mouthcare. 
• Radiotherapy- clean skin with unscented soap. Talk to your breast care nurse or a member of the radiotherapy team about how to look after your skin during and after treatment e.g. apply moisturising cream – for example, pure sorbolene – to unbroken skin after each radiotherapy session.

When you are having treatment for breast cancer your treating team will provide you with education and support to help manage any side effects you may experience. It is always important to let a member of your treating team know about any concerns you may have.

After breast cancer treatment ends some people have few or no ongoing health problems. Yet, others may experience ongoing physical and emotional challenges. Such challenges may be due to long-term side effects of breast cancer treatment or late effects of treatment that may develop years later, some of which can have a serious impact on daily living and your quality of life. Tell your doctor about any side effects you are having so your GP and/or specialist can assess and help you manage these. A chronic healthcare management plan can be put in place so that you receive the appropriate treatment and care. 

You can also contact BCNA’s Helpline on 1800 500 258 for information about the services and support that may be available for you and your family.    

To connect with other people who have had a breast cancer experience: 

• Join BCNA’s Online Network if you think that talking to others online and sharing experiences will help. 
• Call the Cancer Council on 13 11 20 to find out about the Cancer Connect peer support service and about the range of support services for people affected by cancer in your local area. 

The emotional and physical effects of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly affect your energy. Trying to push through when you are fatigued sometimes makes it worse. Explain how you are feeling to your family and suggest ways that they can help – that way you will have time and energy to do things with them. Accept offers of support and help from others outside the family. Try to prioritise the activities of your day so that you have the energy for the most important things. Make sure that you look after yourself by eating a healthy well-balanced diet, exercising daily to maintain your stamina as much as possible and getting a good night’s sleep. 

Many people continue to work following a breast cancer diagnosis. There may be some treatments, such as surgery that prevent you from working for a period of time, but often work provides a distraction from breast cancer and treatment. Your specialist will be able to give you advice about whether working is possible or advisable in your particular situation. 

People often assume that now your treatment is over you will go back to being the “old you”. You may need to explain that you need time to adjust to the “new you”, who has been changed by your breast cancer experience. You may need to describe what exactly that means and how their ongoing support is needed. 

Seeing a healthcare professional such as a psychologist or counsellor allows you to express your feelings and concerns. Many people benefit from joining a peer support group. There are many support groups available. Your breast care nurse or medical specialist may be able to suggest a group that is in your area. You could join an online group such as the BCNA Online Network, where people share their experiences and offer support. 

The treatment that you have had, and your overall health will have some impact your life after treatment. There may be ongoing physical and emotional challenges.  Getting used to your “new normal” can take some time. Many people find this a very challenging time and benefit from psychological support such as counselling or seeing a psychologist.  Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help improve your quality of life.