Donna: Breast Cancer Survivor since 2011
Only 2 days after her 39thbirthday Donna found a lump in her left breast while performing her monthly breast self-exam. With her family's history of cancer, her aunt and a cousin, she had always known that it wasn’t a question of if, but more of when. She immediately called her Gyenocologist and says her life became a whirlwind. Her doctor confirmed that there was indeed a lump and scheduled her for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. Because of her age she had only had one baseline mammogram at age 35, which was four years earlier and wasn’t scheduled to have one for another year. A few days later it was confirmed that Donna’s left breast had Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) with an aggressive fast growing type of cancer that generally affects older women. Even though they had detected the cancer in early, she was at stage 2 intermediate, measuring 26 mm. What did that mean to her? Because the cancer was aggressive which means it's fast growing, she would need a more aggressive chemotherapy treatment.
After twelve chemotherapy treatments new imaging films showed a suspicious evidence of possible DCIS in her right breast as well. The aggressive chemotherapy had decreased the mass greatly, from 26 mm down to 5 mm. But Donna had to stop chemotherapy because of an infection in her lungs and pneumonia. After carefully researching her options, the choice was clear for Donna, she opted for a bilateral mastectomy, which she says was the ONLY choice for her.
“I never thought I would ever have the inner strength to be able to fight this disease, but with the grace of God, wonderful family, friends, and amazing doctors I was able to fight and beat breast cancer. DON'T hesitate to have your yearly mammograms!!! It may be scary to find out if you have breast cancer, but it's even scarier to find out later that you do and either it is too late, or you don't have as many options as you would have if you would have caught it sooner.”
“If you are a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, stay strong, stay positive and keep your faith! Take comfort in knowing you are not alone and there are so many wonderful people out there that are going to be there for you every step of the way. You will be surprised at who will step up to help and support you. All you need to do is ask and be willing to accept the help.”
