So I had been performing Mammographies since way back when there was Zero Mammography in 1982. So I had seen many woman diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I had assisted on many Breast Biopsies. Then a lump was found during a routine Mammogram and Ultrasound on June 1st of 2011. I was 48 years old and had always lived a healthy lifestyle so I will say I was a little surprised. Not that I thought that I would be exempt from this horrible disease but I did do everything to avoid it. After a biopsy I was diagnosed with Stage 1, Grade 2, DCI and DCIS. I had a Lumpectomy and a additional surgery to clear the margins. I then had 15 days whole breast and 4 day tumor site Radiation Treatments. I have been taking Tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years now and have 2 1/2 more to go. I do want to express how disappointed I am with the lack of reconstruction options for Lumpectomy/ Radiation patients. I was pretty much left with the whole bottom half of my left breast removed. Now don't get me wrong I am EXTREMELY happy to be alive but with so many women being diagnosed you would think they would have come up with something better by now.
Early detection is VERY important!!! Don't put off your Mammogram, it could possibly save your life. Always and I mean always get a second opinion from a Breast Surgeon not a General Surgeon. I got advise from my fellow Breast Cancer Survivors and I also joined a Breast Cancer Support Group. Before I was diagnosed I prided myself in living each every minute of my life to the fullest. So I can't say that my life has changed for the better after BC. Now my mission is to help and support as many newly diagnosed Breast Cancer patients that I can. Hopefully that number will start decreasing significantly in the near future!!!
Love to you all.
Leslie
Great Falls, VA
