I was first diagnosed with DCI in 2006, had a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy. In 2008 it recurred, I then had a mastectomy.
When first diagnosed - my youngest daughter (she was 16) really did not take it in and did not even acknowledge that anything was wrong. When I came home from hospital - she just said 'alright'. I did not push her to confront her feelings, but just let her know I was there. During this time though my eldest - she was 20 was brilliant even offered to come with me to radiotherapy. Sadly,my partners boss was less than helpful and would not allow him time off to come with me. He was a HGV driver and away all week - we could not afford for him to give up work so having my daughters at home was brilliant.
The second time around - my youngest was my rock. She came with me to the hospital, and sat with me whilst I waited to go down. Even played silly games to take my mind off things. Came every day on the bus to visit me in hospital and when it was time for me to go home - came to collect me (even remembered chocs for nurses), made me a cake and helped me wash my hair.
My partner was there when I woke from surgery and my eldest, now living in Coventry, UK (I lived in Bedfordshire, UK) - came down straight from work with her partner to see me.
I still worry every time my mammo is due, anxious waiting for the results in case go through it all again. Have to say though, if it did I would def not have the lumpectomy and just go for the mastectomy. Things looked rather nasty, so opted for reconstruction - wished I hadn't now.
Could not have done it without my family support - my daughters, like most children are no angels and my partner - well there are times when, grrrr. But, when it mattered most, they were there and I am so so grateful
Bournemouth, United Kingdom