a survivor's story

​by Jeanne Rothamel, R.N.

I had my first abnormal mammogram in early 2006. I had micro-calcifications. I underwent a stereotactic biopsy which returned as benign. I followed up routinely after that, and in August of 2008 my mammogram was abnormal for the opposite breast, again micro-calcifications. Again I had a stereotactic biopsy. This time it showed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
I was fortunate that my mammogram, extra views and biopsy were all done the same day. I can’t imagine having had to wait longer.

Once the diagnosis was made, I had a MRI and visits with my doctor and his staff. I ultimately decided on bilateral mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. A lot of people ask why I went with mastectomy, instead of lumpectomy, given the diagnosis of DCIS. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was thinking of having bilateral mastectomies and my MRI was rather equivocal. There was a recommendation for a wide excision of my left breast, (DCIS was on the right). The MRI helped cement my decision. I never wanted to have to go through what I was going through again.

I felt I made the best decision for myself. I relied on my doctor and his staff for guidance. Their personal and professional care was the best, and it felt good to have a surgeon and staff dedicating their time 100% to breast health.

I was very fortunate to be subsequently hired by this center upon the retirement of one of their staff members. Today, this position gives me the opportunity to assist women through their evaluations and biopsies. When a cancer diagnosis is made, I’m able to help with the usually overwhelming process, just as I was helped.

I encourage the patients I work with to get as much information and literature as they can, to get an MRI if indicated, and then to make the best decision for herself. What other women did may not necessarily work for the newly diagnosed patient. I also caution patients that they likely will hear from family members and friends about other breast cancer patients and opinions. I urge taking all with a grain of salt. Each woman’s decision is theirs alone. Each woman’s breast cancer is specific and personal to her body. Whatever a women decides for herself is the right decision for her.

I feel I have a special empathy with my patients and I hope sharing my survivorship helps them too.

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