In 2007 I was diagnosed with Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS). It was not actually considered a cancer, but rather a precursor that would have to be monitored. After years of biopsies and lumpectomies galore and negative mammograms, ultrasounds and even contrasts MRIs, my worst nightmare came true. My last mammogram and ultrasound this past January, 2014 showed no abnormalities. I went in for my followup with my breast surgeon in February and he discovered a lump through his manual exam. I went in and had my fourth contrast MRI; this time they did a needle biopsy to confirm his suspicion. I have breast cancer. With LCIS, once it shows up in one breast, it will most definitely show up in the other breast over time. I was told that I needed a mastectomy of my right breast and it was suggested that I have both removed to avoid problems later on in the other one. I didn't think twice and had both removed. I also decided to have reconstruction via tissue expanders. I am now undergoing four rounds of Chemo with my second coming up this next Monday. Once Chemo is done and my white blood count is back to normal then I will have the tissue expanders surgically removed and the permanent implants put in. All I can offer up to you is the saying that, "You don't know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice". Breast cancer, as nasty as it is, can also be empowering. I discovered how not to take life for granted anymore.....And, all the things that humanity throws at you to try to hurt your feelings and bring you down in life......You just look at them and say, "Bring it on because I'm fighting something way bigger than you--I'm fighting breast cancer. Stay strong.
L. WoodMadison, AL