Last year, I went to see my gynecologist because I had a lump and some pain on my right breast. She told me to get an ultrasound and found out that it was a benign cyst, so I have nothing to worry about. However, as the months went on, the lump was there and so was the pain. On May 2014, decided to see an internal medicine doctor on who also deals with women's health. She recommended me both an ultrasound and mammogram.
I also had an MRI plus fine needle and core biopsy which the results said "You have a high suspicion of malignancy." I wanted to break down, not only because of those results yet also she could not determine what type of breast cancer I had. I am 37, a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. I felt unaware of what to do or what to think of the possibilities of getting cancer. But I did know one thing, no matter what happens, I will fight this plus I have the help as well as support from family and friends.
She referred me to a breast surgeon which the surgeon and her team decided to do their own imaging and biopsy to give the answer that I pray every night of knowing. On August 6th, my breast surgeon left a message on my phone which I called her stated that I had DCIS which was stage 0 and noninvasive. My husband and I held each other knowing what I have and being ready for the next step. The surgeon stated that I would get a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. October 3, 2014, I had lymph nodes removed with the mastectomy and tissue expander on the right breast.
On October 17, 2014, I saw my oncologist and that's when she mention the word CHEMOTHERAPY. I cried when I got home, told my family, including my daughter. I felt defeated but did not give up. I start chemo next month and I will always keep in mind that I trusted my instincts when I checked myself a second time.
Brooklyn, NY