I am 48 years old. Breast Cancer does not run in my family. In April of 2017 I went to my OB/GYN because I had a very tiny bump under my left armpit. She referred me to the Breast Center for a mammogram. I did go, and they did the mammogram and said I had calcifications that were benign. Thinking back, I have no idea how they knew right away, with no biopsy that they were benign. I didn’t go back again until my next annual mammogram which was done in July 2018. After getting a 3D mammogram done, I was called into the radiologist’s office. He stated he was very concerned and that the micro calcifications could be cancer and said I needed to schedule a biopsy as soon as possible. On July 30 I went in for a biopsy, then time went very slow as I waited for the call with results. On August 7, I received the call and it was indeed cancer. He didn’t elaborate and said I needed to follow up with an Oncologist. I called my OB/GYN and she went over the results…It was DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ), that was all I knew and was referred to Banner MD Cancer Center. After seeing the Oncologist, she explained DCIS and wanted to do a lumpectomy. August 20 th, I had a lumpectomy, the surgeon was not able to get clear margins and said the cancer was 8cm and 100% ER (Estrogen Receptor) positive, 98.3% PR (Progesterone) positive. I was told the cancer was very large and I needed a mastectomy. I opted for a double mastectomy so that I didn’t have just one breast. The surgeon also checked the lymph nodes in my armpit to make sure the cancer didn’t spread. I had the double mastectomy and 5 lymph nodes removed on September 12, 2018.
The cancer didn’t spread, and I was told they were able to remove it all. I did have 2 drains that needed to be flushed two times a day. I had them in for 15 days and I was so happy when I had them taken out. I am currently taking Zoladex injections every 28 days that is a hormonal chemotherapy. I will be on this for up to 2 years. I elected not to have reconstructive surgery I will remain flat. I am still learning to adjust to the new me. I still have a lot of nerve pain and I wear a compression sleeve for Lymphedema.
This has been very emotional and has changed my life forever. I am thankful for my husband, son, friends and family. I have a great support team. Impact One has helped me so much, they were there when I needed someone to talk to and they have provided me with much needed compression bras. The compression bra helps a great deal with pain and swelling. I encourage all women to make sure you do self-exams and get you yearly mammogram.
Thank you for everything and always being there to help.
Wendy Gray