8 weeks post-op and ready to share why I’ve been absent:
In April, my routine mammogram showed suspicious calcifications, and after more images and a biopsy, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, grade 3). This is considered the earliest form of breast cancer (stage 0), not yet invasive. I had no symptoms, no lump—only tiny specks smaller than a grain of salt showing up on my mammogram, indicating abnormal cells were present.
To anyone with breasts—please don’t skip your mammograms. I know life gets busy (even I’m guilty of delaying appointments), but it’s so important to get checked regularly.
My great grandmother, grandmother and mother all had breast cancer in their 30s. Due to my high risk family history, I’ve been doing screenings since I was 28. As I approach 40 this year, I thought maybe it would skip me… but it showed up to crash the party at age 39.
During April-May, I had many appointments to figure out the right treatment plan for me. My surgeon ordered genetic testing which revealed I’m positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, giving me a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence (40%-70%). This helped me decide how preventative to be with my surgery choice (lumpectomy vs mastectomy).
On June 6, I had a bilateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The pathology results showed clear margins and two clear lymph nodes (meaning no visible spread beyond the area). However, a new finding of invasive cells were found within the DCIS area, which didn't show up on any tests prior to surgery. This changed my diagnosis to DCIS and IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) stage 1, grade 3, ER+/PR+/HER2-.
June-July I focused on healing (was told 4-6 week recovery time). Thanks to daily stretches and exercise, I'm back to full mobility, though still taking it easy.
Although my breast cancer recurrence rate has lowered (0-5%), the invasive cells (IDC) cause a new risk of cancer elsewhere in years to come. In August, I'll decide on preventative aftercare treatment to lower this risk (chemotherapy and hormone therapy).
It’s all been A LOT to process. I’m beyond grateful for my husband, supportive family, and online friends who shared their experience ❤️🩹
Sea Lemon
8 weeks post-op and ready to share why I’ve been absent:
In April, my routine mammogram showed suspicious calcifications, and after more images and a biopsy, I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS, grade 3). This is considered the earliest form of breast cancer (stage 0), not yet invasive. I had no symptoms, no lump—only tiny specks smaller than a grain of salt showing up on my mammogram, indicating abnormal cells were present.
To anyone with breasts—please don’t skip your mammograms. I know life gets busy (even I’m guilty of delaying appointments), but it’s so important to get checked regularly.
My great grandmother, grandmother and mother all had breast cancer in their 30s. Due to my high risk family history, I’ve been doing screenings since I was 28. As I approach 40 this year, I thought maybe it would skip me… but it showed up to crash the party at age 39.
During April-May, I had many appointments to figure out the right treatment plan for me. My surgeon ordered genetic testing which revealed I’m positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation, giving me a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence (40%-70%). This helped me decide how preventative to be with my surgery choice (lumpectomy vs mastectomy).
On June 6, I had a bilateral mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The pathology results showed clear margins and two clear lymph nodes (meaning no visible spread beyond the area). However, a new finding of invasive cells were found within the DCIS area, which didn't show up on any tests prior to surgery. This changed my diagnosis to DCIS and IDC (invasive ductal carcinoma) stage 1, grade 3, ER+/PR+/HER2-.
June-July I focused on healing (was told 4-6 week recovery time). Thanks to daily stretches and exercise, I'm back to full mobility, though still taking it easy.
Although my breast cancer recurrence rate has lowered (0-5%), the invasive cells (IDC) cause a new risk of cancer elsewhere in years to come. In August, I'll decide on preventative aftercare treatment to lower this risk (chemotherapy and hormone therapy).
It’s all been A LOT to process. I’m beyond grateful for my husband, supportive family, and online friends who shared their experience ❤️🩹
5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,209