My story begins 7 years ago (just a few months before turning 38) when some microcalcification showed up on my right side during a routine mammogram (which I have been doing annually since 25 due to the strong history of breast cancer in my family). I chose to treat this episode of non-invasive DCIS with a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, I had a terrible experience with my first surgeon, who was unable to get clear margins and closed me up with staples :( I was able to turn things around, however, when I went to a wonderful DCIS specialist in San Francisco for a second opinion. He recommended an amazing surgeon, who was able to obtain clear margins and who referred me to a terrific radiologist for my radiation therapy.
Since there was a strong likelihood that it would push me into early menopause, I chose to wait until turning 40 to start taking Tamoxifen. Luckily, I was able to take a low dose antidepressant (Effexor) to counter the hot flashes brought on by the drug and keep my anxiety at bay. I joked about Effexor being my new BFF!
I continued with alternating follow up appointments between my surgeon and radiologist until some microcalcification (non-invasive DCIS again) showed up on my left side during a follow up mammogram. By now I knew the drill--biopsy, lumpectomy, radiation--but with an amazing medical team in place from the beginning this time!
This year as I turn 45, I fulfilled a dream of designing and getting tattoos to cover the blue dots from radiation (see photo) and am very happy to finish my 5-year Tamoxafen treatment! Not sure if I want to stop the Effexor though ;) The main thing I learned from this whole experience is the importance of being your own advocate, as getting a second opinion and switching surgeons made a world of difference for me. I also made the most of my cancer experience by becoming a guide at the hospital for newly diagnosed DCIS patients, providing them with emotional support and helping them navigate their treatment path.
Piedmont, CA
