I was diagnosed 1 month after my 35th birthday. No family history, but my doctor just thought it would be a good idea to go in for a baseline mammogram and continue routine mammograms at 40. Well, that was my one and only routine mammogram. I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma that would not have been caught by manual physicals. I first opted for a "lumpectomy" to remove the cancerous tissue followed up by radiation (the lumpectomy consisted of a 5 inch x 1 inch x 1.5 inch piece of breast tissue). At my check up after that surgery, the doctor stated that all the margins of tissue were not clean and contained cancer cells. So my options were to remove more tissue, do nothing and leave it up to radiation or a mastectomy. After a long discussion with my husband, choose the double mastectomy with reconstruction. The only upside, the lymph nodes came back clean so no chemo. It was tough, but I have no regrets! I thank god everyday for my doctors, family and friends.

Carrie
Galesville, WI