My journey began with my annual mammogram screening at Raleigh Radiology in August 2012. Within 3 days, I was contacted by my physician recommending further diagnostic testing to examine an area of concern on my left breast. l was then urged to get further diagnostic testing. I went back 1 week later for another mammogram. The radiologist also ordered an ultrasound and that determined there were 2 solid but small masses that needed to be biopsied. On September 10th I was diagnosed with Early Stage Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my left breast.After a lot of discussion about different options such as a lumpectomy with radiation, or a mastectomy on the left side w/ no radiation, the chances of recurrence and or the chance of having to have more surgeries to get clear margins, my husband & I realized that a double mastectomy seemed to be the better decision. I also had a family history that was a big factor in my personal decision. My Mom is a 2 time breast cancer survivor beginning 25 yrs ago. On Oct.31st I had a Bi Lateral Mastectomy with reconstruction. I also had 12 Lymph nodes removed that tested negative. When I saw my Oncologist I was told that the mass was actually 5.2 cm. (A lot bigger than determined initially). I was then re-diagnosed at Stage 2B.Because of the size of the tumor removed and my younger age, an Oncotype DX test was performed to determine if I would benefit from Chemotherapy to determine my recurrence risk within 10 yrs. On Jan 2, 2013 we were blessed with the news that Chemotherapy was not going to be needed or recommended based on the Oncotype DX test result. I am thankful to be Cancer Free as of my surgery.

Debbie Stanley
Middlesex, NC