Author: Tammy Carrington
What’s it like being diagnosed with breast cancer?
My name is Tammy and I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) in June 2009. I underwent bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with DIEP flaps.
I believe it is important to share my story on how I made my decision because when I was looking for information on other women’s experiences, it was hard to find. If I can help even one woman feel peaceful about making her own decision, then it was worth it all. That’s part of this process‚ reaching out and helping others who are behind us in the journey.
My nature is to research things completely so that I can make informed decisions. I am the mom to a severely brain injured little boy who is now 12 years old and I’ve spent lots of time over the years looking for information on how to help him to get better and have spent more than 20 years in the medical field as well.
My Breast Cancer Diagnosis:
My diagnosis came as a complete shock to me. I am sure it’s a shock to anyone who hears it for the first time, but somehow I never thought I would be hearing those words associated with me. I just remember how numb I felt when I heard the “C” word: CANCER.
I had no signs or symptoms to indicate that there was any type of problem. I went in for my routine annual mammogram and they asked me to return for an ultrasound of my breast. Having me return was not an unusual request because I have had brocystic breast tissue and it had almost become routine for me to have to return. They would always do an ultrasound where they could see the cysts and then I would then be sent on my merry way.
This year was different.
They called me back for the ultrasound but also wanted to do some spot compression views so they could look more closely at an area of my breast where they wanted to see more detail. The doctor told me that radiologists are trained to look for microcalcifications when they view mammograms. My mammogram showed some microcalcifications and this time I was told to follow up in 6 months to see if there were any changes in my breast during that time.
My gut feeling told me that I didn’t want to wait 6 months, so my physician sent me to a local surgeon and he decided to do a stereotactic breast biopsy right away. The results were back quickly and I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). I had breast cancer.
Time to get over the shock.
I believe it is important to share my story on how I made my decision because when I was looking for information on other women’s experiences, it was hard to find. If I can help even one woman feel peaceful about making her own decision, then it was worth it all. That’s part of this process‚ reaching out and helping others who are behind us in the journey.
Leave Comment
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
Tammy’s Breast Reconstruction Journey – Part I: My Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Comparison of Abdominal Recovery After SIEA, DIEP, TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Author: Tammy Carrington What’s it like being diagnosed with breast cancer? My name is Tammy and I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) in June 2009. I underwent bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with […]
Can Breast Cancer Be Detected Early?
Can Breast Cancer Be Detected Early? July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Can breast cancer be detected early? Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations from the American Cancer Society Screening refers to tests and exams used to find a disease, such as cancer, in people who do not have any symptoms. The goal of screening […]
CNN Airs News Story on Male Breast Cancer at Camp Lejeune
CNN Airs News Story on Male Breast Cancer at Camp Lejeune July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Author: Pam Stephan, About.com Guide to Breast Cancer What is male breast cancer? Mike Partain, male breast cancer survivor and former resident of Camp Lejeune, is back in the news again. Tune in to CNN on […]
Breast Cancer Reconstruction & Health Care Reform – What It Means For You
Breast Cancer Reconstruction & Health Care Reform – What It Means For You July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Author: Dr. Sharon Lacey What does health care reform mean for patients with breast cancer and how will it affect you? Well, it could mean… Even though you or your loved one could benefit […]
Breast Reconstruction – Breast Cancer Patients Denied Choice After Mastectomy
Breast Reconstruction – Breast Cancer Patients Denied Choice After Mastectomy July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo Are there breast reconstruction options other than implants? Despite the increase of breast reconstruction procedures performed after mastectomy in 2008, nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for the procedure are not […]
Mammograms and MRI after Breast Reconstruction – Are They Needed?
Mammograms and MRI after Breast Reconstruction – Are They Needed? July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo “Do I still need to have mammograms after my breast reconstruction?” I’m asked this question quite often. Surprisingly, there is no evidence-based consensus on this among breast cancer physicians. Recommendations range from “no need […]
Is there a Place For Breast Reconstruction in Metastatic Breast Cancer?
Is there a Place For Breast Reconstruction in Metastatic Breast Cancer? July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo Can I still have Breast Reconstruction if I have Metastatic Breast Cancer? Traditional medical opinion states that patients with metastatic breast cancer are not candidates for breast reconstruction. Once metastases are diagnosed […]
Impact of Radiation on Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Impact of Radiation on Breast Reconstruction Surgery July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo Can radiation therapy impact breast reconstruction results? Radiation therapy is often recommended as part of breast cancer treatment. Patients undergoing lumpectomy receive radiation routinely once they’ve healed from surgery. Some mastectomy patients also need radiation after […]
TUG Flap Restores Breast After Mastectomy With Thigh Lift Bonus
TUG Flap Restores Breast After Mastectomy With Thigh Lift Bonus July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is TUG flap breast reconstruction? San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) February 23, 2009 – Plastic, Reconstructive & Microsurgical Associates (PRMA) of South Texas, a leading breast reconstruction surgery practice in San Antonio, is now offering women the […]
Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy – Breast Reconstruction Specialist Radio Interview
Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy – Breast Reconstruction Specialist Radio Interview July 07, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What are the cutting edge breast reconstruction options currently available? It was an absolute pleasure to talk to DeLeon and Travis on “DeLeon Dialogue” last night. Breast cancer survivor DeLeon and cervical cancer survivor Travis talk frankly with […]
No Comments