****WARNING: There are images of my breast in this post. There are before and after images and images of surgical procedures. If you have a weak stomach, I must advise you that some images show open wounds and blood. This is my very honest and vulnerable story about my experience with breast cancer.

MY FIRST MAMMOGRAM

I was 49 years old when I discovered I had breast cancer. Until that point, I had never had a mammogram. For over a decade, I was self-employed and lacked adequate health insurance. This made ancillary procedures like mammograms unaffordable.

In August 2022, I started a new job in the construction industry, which came with company health insurance. This allowed me to finally schedule the tests and procedures I had been delaying.

It took some time to get my first mammogram appointment, but I got an appointment on February 15, 2023, six months after starting my new job. The mammogram itself went smoothly. However, the following day, I received a phone call informing me of an abnormal result. In the phone call they recommended repeating the mammogram. They stated that I had very dense breast tissue, which makes it more difficult to detect cancer. As well, dense breast tissue raises ones risk for breast cancer. So, they wanted me to come back in for a diagnostic mammogram.

A screening mammogram, or a traditional mammogram, is performed to detect possible signs of breast cancer before patients experience symptoms of the disease. A Diagnostic mammogram is performed to more closely examine the breast tissue, typically following symptoms or after a screening mammogram shows suspicious results.

FINDING A LUMP

Between my first and second mammogram, I performed a self-examination and discovered a breast lump on the left side of my left breast. I was fairly certain that this was what the doctor wanted to re-examine, and I was right.

I completed a second mammogram on March 13, 2023. The doctor indicated that I had a lot of dense tissue on the left side of my left breast that looked very suspicious. He wanted to do a biopsy of the tissue to have tested.

When the doctor recommended a biopsy, I reached out to my friends on Facebook for support. Many responded, sharing that it’s common for women to receive abnormal mammogram results. They commented that they did additional mammograms or biopsies, too, but found that they did not have cancer. These reassurances significantly alleviated my anxiety. I convinced myself that my situation would be similar and that I would ultimately find out that I was cancer-free.

THE BIOPSY

My biopsy was scheduled for March 16, 2023. My doctor got me in very quickly, which caused me a lot of anxiety. And, I will admit that I did not handle my biopsy well either.

I had prepared myself mentally by asking my friends a lot of questions and doing extensive research online. Through this, I learned that there are several types of breast biopsies, each explained in detail on various medical websites. ( You can read about various biopsy types by clicking on this link)

For my procedure, a vacuum assisted breast biposy, I climbed onto a large table/bed using small steps. Once on the table, I kneeled and positioned my breast through an opening in the table, allowing it to hang down by gravity. The table was then raised so the doctor could perform the biopsy at a comfortable height.

The doctor administered a numbing agent, which I was told was lidocaine, to ensure the area was anesthetized. Once my breast was thought to be numb, the doctor cut a small incision in the breast and inserted the tool to retrieve the biopsy tissue (as you can see in the images below).

BIOPSY COMPLICATIONS

The difficulty I experienced during the biopsy was that, while the skin of my breast became numb, the internal tissue did not. I felt the tissue being collected, which was quite painful. Despite the discomfort, it was absolutely essential that I remain completely still throughout the procedure to ensure its accuracy and safety. The doctor asked me to describe what I was feeling. The only way that I could explain it is that it felt the way that the game PacMan looks. Isn’t that silly? But, it felt like a little PacMan was inside of my breast taking munches out of my tissue.

After the tissue sample was removed, the doctor inserted a small metal clip into the breast at the biopsy site. This clip is used to mark the area where the cancer was located, making it easier to find during future procedures, such as additional biopsies or surgeries.

In the images below, you can see how my breast looked the day of the biopsy and a few days following my biopsy. The very first day, my breast hurt quite a bit. So, we were surprised that the incision was so small that it was hidden under the tape. The small incision did not require stitches. I left the doctors office with a bandage and an ice pack! My breast was rather sore for days following and ended up very bruised.

MY DIAGNOSIS

Four days after my biopsy, on March 20, 2023, I was informed that I had DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ). Also known as Intraductal Carcinoma. DCIS is a pre-invasive cancer. It is a condition in which abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct. The abnormal cells have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. In some cases, ductal carcinoma in situ may become invasive breast cancer and spread to other tissues.

My DCIS was diagnosed as a hormone receptor-positive cancer. This cancer is marked by abnormal cell growth in association with the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These cells have a group of proteins that bind to a specific hormone. Mine binds to estrogen.

Thankfully, the cancer was detected at such an early stage that it was classified as Stage 0. It was classified this way because the cancer was still encapsulated in the milk ducts and was not, at this point, invasive cancer. However, being diagnosed with any form of cancer, regardless of the stage, is incredibly frightening.

Additionally, the realization that cancer was discovered during my very first mammogram—a screening I had postponed for several years—was deeply unsettling.

Immediately, the doctor introduced me to a patient advocate who would guide me through the entire process and answer any questions I might have. They also scheduled an appointment for me with a breast surgeon and discussed the upcoming procedures in detail.

POST DIAGNOSIS

MET WITH BREAST SURGEON

After my diagnosis, on April 4, 2023, I met with my breast surgeon to discuss the details of my upcoming surgery and follow-up care. He presented me with the options of a lumpectomy or a full mastectomy, explaining the life expectancy statistics for both procedures. Additionally, he shared the statistics for both procedures when combined with radiation therapy. We also reviewed the risks and benefits of each option. It was an overwhelming day, and I knew I wanted to avoid a mastectomy if possible.

The doctor recommended that I undergo a comprehensive cancer gene panel even though I have no family history of breast cancer. I provided a saliva sample for genetic testing. He explained that if the results showed I did not carry a gene for breast cancer, I would be a good candidate for a lumpectomy. However, if the test revealed a positive gene for future cancer, he recommended a full mastectomy with breast reconstruction.

LUMPECTOMY VS MASTECTOMY

This distinction was crucial to me because the two procedures are vastly different. A full mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast, often both breasts, including the nipple, areola, and skin. The recovery time is longer, and it significantly affects the body’s appearance. Some women opt for breast reconstruction to improve body image, but this is also an extensive process.

In contrast, a lumpectomy is a procedure to remove a cancerous lump from the breast. The recovery time is much shorter, and the impact on the breast’s appearance is far less significant. The procedure is often a breast-conserving surgery.

A funny story: if you notice, I put my pink gown top on just like one would at any other doctors office, but in a breast surgeons office, you want to opening in the front! Haha. The nurse came in and giggled and then stepped back in the hall advising me that I needed to turn it around.

My mom walked through the whole process with me. She definitely worried about me.

MET WITH RADIOLOGY ONCOLOGIST

My genetic testing came back negative. There were no genetic markers for cancer of any kind (DCIS, which is what I was diagnosed with is not a genetically forming cancer). So, my breast surgeon said that it was okay for me to decide between a full mastectomy or a lumpectomy. And, I opted for the lumpectomy.

Following that decision, I met with my radiation oncologist, on May 8, 2023, to determine the post-surgery treatment plan. The doctor informed me that I might be a candidate for a radiation treatment called SAVI Brachytherapy. Although my surgery took place in one city, I planned to undergo radiation treatment in another city closer to my workplace. Fortunately, the radiation oncologist at the hospital where I intended to receive my radiation also offered the SAVI Brachytherapy.

RADIATION OPTIONS

An article by VeryWell Health explains SAVI Brachytherapy as follows:

The full article can be found at VeryWell Health.

In short, the device above will be inserted into my breast to administer radiation over three days instead of undergoing exterior radiation over six weeks.

CHANGES THAT I MADE POST DIAGNOSIS / PRE-SURGERY

DIET

One of the first things I changed was my diet. With a month between my diagnosis and surgery, I immediately switched to eating “live” foods, focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables. Previously, I had been following a strict KETO diet, but I decided to stop and switch to a detoxifying fruit and vegetable regimen.

EXERCISE

It was also important for me to strengthen my body before surgery. Uncertain about the recovery period, I wanted to do everything possible to support my body through this challenging time by staying very active. Additionally, regular physical activity helped alleviate the stress and anxiety caused by my diagnosis.

EMOTIONAL CARE

Focusing on my emotional well-being during this time was crucial. I started my days with early morning conversations with God, spent cherished moments with family, and was enveloped by the love and gifts from wonderful friends and family members. The outpouring of support I received through social media messages, phone calls, prayers, visits, gifts, and cards was both surprising and overwhelming. This incredible support truly helped me persevere mentally.

THE DAY OF MY BREAST SURGERY

BEACON PLACEMENT

Interestingly, I initially believed that the clip placed in my breast during the biopsy would guide my surgery. However, this wasn’t the case.

Just before my surgery, on April 26, 2023, I returned to the imaging center where I had my mammogram and biopsy to have a “beacon” or “scout” placed at the location of the titanium clip. This beacon emits a sound or light wave that medical equipment in the operating room detects. I learned that breast cancer tissue often looks no different from regular tissue to the human eye. As a result, surgeons sometimes excised tumors without achieving negative margins. The beacon allows doctors to precisely locate the tumor and calculate a specific circumference to remove all DCIS cells. This is particularly crucial in cases of DCIS, where the breast ducts encapsulate cancer cells, which makes them harder to distinguish.

ALL KINDS OF FIRSTS FOR ME

The beacon placement was quite an experience for me! Remembering the pain I felt during my biopsy made me very anxious. This time, instead of lying down, I sat in a chair with a machine that seemed to brace and guide against my breast. The doctor began numbing my breast with injections, and that’s when I started to worry. My body began to tingle, and I felt a bit nauseous. I told the doctor I wasn’t feeling right, and he asked me to describe my symptoms. As I explained, he immediately started to “unhook” me from the device… and that’s all I remember. I passed out! For the first time in my life, I passed out!

As strange as it may sound, I was quite excited. Perhaps “excited” isn’t the right word, but I was definitely like, “Dude!” (for those 80’s kids).

After passing out and regaining consciousness, they got me back up and adjusted, and we completed the beacon placement. It didn’t hurt like the biopsy and it finished almost as quickly as it started, thankfully. Next, we drove to the hospital and prepared for surgery.

My boyfriend, my mom and my sister-in-law were all with me for the beacon placement. My mom kept trying to cover up my “F**K CANCER” T-shirt. Ha.

LUMPECTOMY SURGERY

Honestly, the actual surgery didn’t scare me I knew that once I was “out,” the next step would be waking up with everything done! So, I was eager to get in and get it over with. However, my boyfriend thought I looked scared sitting in my bed.

After a month of procedures and worry, I was more than ready to have this surgery behind me.

My mom and my boyfriend were with me throughout the day, which helped so much.

OUTPATIENT / HOME POST SURGERY

Honestly, I felt really good when I left the hospital. I experienced less pain and discomfort than I did after the biopsy.

The healthcare provider sent me home well bandaged and wearing a supportive bra, as you can see in the images. The doctor instructed me to wear the hospital-provided bra for the first few days. He said that I could eventually switch to my own sports bra, if I preferred.

The hardest part of my post-surgery instructions was that I couldn’t bathe. I was allowed to take a sitz bath and wash my hair, but could not get my trunk wet. As part of my radiation treatment, the breast surgeon inserted a bulb, much like a baby nose aspirator, into the area where they removed the cancer. The bulb was to stay inserted for a week to create a cavity for the SAVI Brachytherapy device.

As a solution, the first day that I needed to shower, my mother dressed me in a full slicker and hosed my hair down in her shower! Haha. After that, I washed my hair under the faucet in the bathtub; I got on my hands and knees so that my trunk was elevated in the bathtub.

This bulb was not uncomfortable. Not showering was an annoyance, though.

RADIATION TREATMENT

SAVI BRACHY BULB REMOVAL

Next stept was removing the bulb and inserting the SAVI Brachytherapy device on May 1, 2023; which was five days after my lumpectomy. The breast surgeon performed this procedure in his office, which frightened me because I wanted to be anesthetized!

After removing the bulb, the surgeon inserted the device and expanded it into the cavity created by the bulb. The SAVi device was in place seven days before radiation started and remained in place until radiation ended on May 10, 2023.

My experience with the SAVI Brachy device and radiation requires its very own blog post and one can read it at My Experience with SAVI Brachytherapy.

POST RADIATION

Post radiation, my SAVI device was removed, I was taped up and sent home to recover. This was the moment when I got to investigate my incisions. As crazy as this sounds, I did not realize that I had an incision on the under side of my breast. I thought that the doctor removed the cancer through the same incision that the bulb and SAVI device were inserted into; but, this was not the case. You can see in the bottom right image that I have a two to three inch incision on the bottom left side of my breast where my breast was opened to remove the cancer. The round incision is the one used for the bulb and SAVI insertion.

One of the reasons that made the SAVI Brachy device a better option for radiation therapy was that it had the least skin changes as a side effect. External radiation has several risk factors as it pertains to the surface of the skin. While I did experience skin changes following radiation treatment, those changes were temporary.

With traditional external beam radiation, you can experience extensive permanent skin discoloration and skin dimpling/deformation. The doctors showed me images of what my breast could potentially look like if I did external beam radiation, which helped me decide to use the SAVI device. As well, external beam radiation is a considerably longer breast cancer treatment, lasting around six weeks long.

Another note, post radiation, I could not enter any bodies of water for six weeks to allow for all incisions to completely heal. I was going into kayak and boating season at the end of my treatment, which was hard–but doable.

HORMONE THERAPY

The cancer that I was diagnosed with was ER+ cancer. This is estrogen receptor positive cancer. This happens when high levels of estrogen in the cancer cells help the cells grow and spread. The therapy that doctors recommend following lumpectomy or mastectomy and radiation is to undergo hormone therapy.

Doctors recommend that breast cancer survivors complete five years of hormone therapy. After five years, a survivor is considered in full remission and cancer free.

To start my therapy, I was introduced to an endocrinologist that specialized in the oncology department where I received my radiation. He spoke with me about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy.

The first form of therapy that was recommended was Tamoxifin. I did not tolerate Tamoxifin well. So, after establishing that I was already in menopause, they switched me to Arimidex. I did not tolerate Arimidex well either and ultimately decided to discontinue all hormone therapy. If you would like to know more about my experience with hormone therapy, you can read all about it in my blog post, Surviving Hormone Therapy Post Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.

TAMOXIFIN

One approach to hormone therapy is to stop the hormones from attaching to the receptors on the cancer cells. When the hormones can’t access the cancer cells, the cancer’s growth may slow and the cells may die.

ARIMIDEX

Aromatase inhibitors are medicines that reduce the amount of estrogen in the body. This medicine deprives breast cancer cells of the hormones they need to grow.

In women, aromatase inhibitors are only used in those who have gone through menopause. They cannot be used unless your body is in natural menopause or in menopause induced by medicines or removal of the ovaries. In men, aromatase inhibitors are typically used with other medicines to better block hormones in the body.

ONE YEAR POST OP

I am now more than a year out from my cancer diagnosis, lumpectomy and radiation. I am so grateful to be alive. And, I am grateful for the love that I was shown throughout this experience. And, let’s not forget how grateful I am for my health!

My employer did fire me because of my experience with cancer. The more that I talk with women about this, the more that this event seems common, though illegal. If this happens to you, know that you are protected and have rights against medical discrimination.

Things that I still experience one year post cancer:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Scarring
• Anxiety or fear that cancer will return
• Deformed breast (though very slight)
• Numbness in effected breast
• Pain in effected breast
• Depression (because of loss of employment)
• Some hair loss/thinning and brittle hair

If you have any questions about the above symptoms, please submit your questions in the comment section and I would be happy to answer them in more depth.

BEFORE AND AFTER IMAGES