One week before my 50th birthday this year, I was scheduled to receive my yearly mammogram. (May 6)
One week later, I was told that I needed to come back in and have an ultrasound performed because there were some "suspicious" areas on the x-ray. (May 14) Happy Birthday to me!
A week and a half later, I was scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy. (May 27)
On June 2nd, the doctor called to inform me of the pathology results and that I had breast cancer -- Grade 2 DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) two areas 4mm in the right breast.
A couple days later I contacted a breast surgeon who was referred to me by my gynecologist. (June 4)
After a consultation in her office, she arranged for me to have an MRI performed so that she can rule out that there were no other suspicious areas hidden that the ultrasound did not pick up on. (June 10)
The results of the MRI were thankfully negative, and so a date for a lumpectomy was scheduled. (July 8) with possible radiation afterwords
I am scared but I am hopeful.... and I am thankful to have the support and love of my family & friends and sites such as this to turn to and read personal accounts of so many brave women who have survived this dreadful disease despite their fear.
I cannot stress the importance of having a mammogram done on a yearly basis, because my cancer was not felt as a lump.
The fear of having a mammogram cannot even come close to the fear of being told that you have cancer, but if caught early, you too will be a survivor!
UPDATE: Yesterday I had my surgery. Today I am a Survivor.
Shelton, CT
