In 2023, an estimated 297,790 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 55,720 women will be diagnosed with non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. From the mid-2000s, invasive breast cancer in women has increased by approximately half a percent each year.
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Did you know that I am a breast cancer survivor?
*this is my story, everyone's is different, if you have questions please contact me*
Just after my 50th birthday I was diagnosed with stage 0 DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ, a tumor within the ducts at its earliest form). I chose to have a bilateral mastectomy (a double mastectomy, both breasts amputated/removed), with no reconstruction.
There are so many decisions to make in a short amount of time when you’re diagnosed, it can be very daunting and overwhelming!
**please contact me if you, or someone you know, needs support or a sympathetic ear: [email protected]**
My timeline went something like this: (from the third mammogram to the surgery=less than 3 months)
February:
Mammogram
Biopsy
MRI
Breast Cancer Navigation Nurse
Oncologist & surgeon
March:
Ultrasound (scheduled 2nd biopsy)
Genetics counseling
April:
Surgery
Pathology report
Option one; lumpectomy and 6 weeks of radiation (6 weeks, 5 days a week). Option 2; mastectomy (removal) and no radiation or chemotherapy.
Genetic counseling is cool, well at least I think so. They tested so many genetic dna markers. Turns out I have Lynch Syndrome, a genetic predisposition towards all types of cancer (meaning I have a 20% higher chance of having cancer over someone without the syndrome). I did not test positive for the BRCA gene.
The genetics appointment helped me make my decision. I called up the surgeon and asked “ if I had the bilateral mastectomy would I need the second biopsy, or radiation after?” “ No.” Good, I scheduled my surgery and cancelled the second biopsy. I did have the option for reconstruction, I opted out. Insurance does pay for reconstruction, now.
I am very fortunate that I chose this path. Pathology found cancer in my other breast as well. The first tumor was 40mm at grade 3 and the other tumors 8mm at grade 2.
I am very lucky to have caught this early. I am very grateful, between the great doctors and my family I have been recovering very well. A special thank you goes out to my husband, Steve, for his unwavering support and love. And thank you to my mother for babysitting me after surgery!
~Sara