In the spring of 2021, my very first mammogram showed some concerning calcifications in my right breast. A subsequent biopsy led to an initial diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ. My surgeon presented two different treatment options: a lumpectomy with radiation, or a mastectomy.
June 2021: Post diagnosis, two weeks before surgery
At age 38, with four young kids, I opted for what felt like the right option for me — a bilateral mastectomy.
July 2021: Post-mastectomy surgery
Drains and bandages from surgery
During recovery
I had my surgery in July 2021, at which point pathology showed clear lymph nodes and a very small invasive tumor in that same breast that hadn’t been detected in my mammogram.
October 2021: with family after exchange surgery
My final diagnosis was stage 1A ER/PR+ invasive ductal carcinoma. Today, I’m doing well. I’m 8 months into a 5-year round of hormone therapy, and my reconstructive surgeries are (hopefully!) behind me.
— Catherine, St. Louis, MO
For more of Catherine’s story – tune in to our Season 1: Episode 3 podcast featuring a personal interview with Catherine.