It was October, 1996 and my routine mammogram showed microcalcifications. 80% of the time, I was told, they are benign. But just in case, a biopsy was scheduled. Yup, there it was, DCIS. To make matters worse, they could not get a clean margin. So my choices were reexcision -- and the radiation specialist explained that he couldn't zero in on a specific area -- or mastectomy. My second opinion in Boston confirmed that mastectomy for me was as close to 100% survival as I could every hope. I had immediate reconstruction - TRAM flap, and voila, a new breast "mound" was created. I am so happy for my mammogram and the sharp eyes that found it.

Kathleen Strout
Bangor, ME