My cancer journey began February 27, 2014 at 1:59pm when I received a call while at work that my pathology report showed stage 0 DCIS. When I heard, stage 0, I thought to myself, “well that is strange, how cancer can have a stage 0”. Basically, it’s noninvasive, meaning it has not spread.
I have undergone test after test and got a second opinion from U of M as my first opinion was with MSU. I choose U of M as they are known to be the best in the Mid-West when it comes to breast cancer. The lymph node biopsy was negative which was GREAT news. I will be having a double mastectomy May 30th. With just removing the one, I was told I have a 10% chance of it coming back. I am having two-stage reconstruction. It’s easier than the immediate operation since my skin and chest wall tissues are tight and flat. An implanted tissue expander, which is like a balloon, is put under the skin and chest muscle. Through a tiny valve under the skin, the surgeon injects a salt-water solution at regular intervals to fill the expander over a period of about 4 to 6 months. After the skin over the breast area has stretched enough, a second surgery will remove the expander and put in the permanent implant. I have a long road ahead of me and am so very thankful for great family and friends.
My advice to all women is to always go with your gut feeling as you are the only one that knows your body!
Lansing, MI
