Not sure I "fit" in with all these other amazing survivors, but here is my story. 11/2012 mammogram found 2 spots the imaging people want to watch, go back 6 months later, 5/2013 and no change. Come 11/2013 and there is another "spot", time for a biopsy which on 12/5/13 is told to me is DCIS, stage "0" breast cancer. "Not really breast cancer because it is confined within the milk duct, but a lumpectomy is in order". 12/27/13 another biopsy to check the 2 spots that were originally being "watched", one turns out to be the same DCIS. Nuclear grade 2.5-3.0. 1/8/14 lumpectomy to remove both areas of DCIS, tumor 5 cm at widest spot, but clear margins, and no lymph nodes affected.
That should have been the end of surgery and on to radiation, but somehow a blister developed on my breast after the 2nd biopsy which proceeded to become "gangenous necrosis", so in order to get to radiation quicker, on 1/31/14 I had a reconstruction/reduction surgery to take care of the dead area and give the left breast symmetry to the right. 3/17/14 34 rounds of radiation start. Some irritation, but all in all, no real problems. Radiation ends 5/1/14 and Tamoxifen starts the end of May. So far, so good. Some increased hot flashes/night sweats and uncontrollable crying at times, but, I remind myself how lucky I am that it was "only" DCIS and "not really cancer". I watched a fellow fighter's hair grow in while going to radiation, I know how lucky I am!! So I still have my radiation "tan" and some inconvenient side affects, I'm here and healthy.
For all those fighting the good fight, God Bless and keep fighting like a girl! I lost one very good friend to this disease, another on Tamoxifen. I can't handle any more losses! Get those mammies grammed, catch it early, no matter what age you are!!
Port Orchard, WA