by Gina- a Survivor
​
At 40 years of age, I knew my doctor would be on my case if I didn’t get a mammogram. I felt great, absolutely healthy, and no detections of lumps or bumps. I didn’t think much of it. However, I got an immediate call back to come in for more images and two days later I was getting a
biopsy. They showed me the images and I immediately knew, deep down, what it was.

Four days later I got that call NO ONE wants. The biopsy was positive for DCIS breast cancer. With this particular cancer, it appears as hundreds of small “dots” that spread over the breast and often go unnoticed (without a mammogram) because it is not a “lump”. 

​I was definitely in shock. It is very strange hearing that I have this, and I feel like there is nothing wrong or different. I’m not sick. I’m not in pain. I learned a LOT of information in the month following my diagnosis. In my case, because the area is large and consuming, I did not have an option other than a full mastectomy. I had a complete genetic testing, and discovered I am positive for a gene that has caused this cancer. Nothing I have done in my life has brought this on, it is just part of my genetic makeup. This gene does affect other areas of the body as well, and it affects males and females. 

Many people asked why surgery took place so far out. But from time of diagnosis to the surgery (less than 2 months) there were appointments,  scheduling and Operating Room time. I ended up having to be referred to doctors in Cedar Rapids, because of insurance coverage, and being able to have 2 different surgeons for the same surgery, which makes one less surgery for me. I have not had surgery in my life, except to have my wisdom teeth removed when I was 17. So all this medical information was a lot to take in, but I felt that I was in excellent hands. My biggest obstacle was recovery time, since I was being forced to sit still and take it easy. Definitely not my usual routine.

April 21 (day after surgery)
I was able to go home and did great - hooked up to 2 machines that get to be my companions for a while allowing my recovery to be at home. Sleeping was a challenge, but I finally got a good night’s sleep in the recliner. This became my sleeping routine for the incline and not rolling over at night. The pain was under control, which also made this much more bearable!

RECEIVED THE ABSOLUTELY BEST NEWS!!!
So many answered prayers. The final pathology results came back, and the cancer had not spread outside of the breast. They took four lymph nodes and tested those as well as doing the full removal mastectomy. What it means for my oncology future is there will not have to be
radiation or chemo, since it was a full removal! This is thanks to the early detection with my mammogram. Multiple doctors told me if I had waited to get the screening, in one year my situation would have been completely different.
​
The healing journey was a long road. There was at least one more big surgery for reconstruction. I am VERY grateful for so many things that have come out of this situation. First the research and awareness that is brought to breast cancer. And I want to continue that awareness. I am grateful for the amazing support received from so many wonderful people in my life and all the medical staff every step of the way. I am grateful for the time and place I live that I have access to treatment and recovery. Most importantly, I see God and his purpose for all that
is happening. Thank you, prayer warriors, I feel the love! While I do not know all of what the future holds, I do feel confident in going forward and tackling this! In true form, I already had the perfect shoes for this journey in my life!

by TRACY MCNALLY- SURVIVOR

I reported for my regular mammogram in August 2021 and later received a call from the breast center asking me to return for additional imaging. I returned 6 days later for another mammogram and was asked to wait while it was reviewed. They came and said I needed an ultrasound to investigate further. I asked if it would take long since I had another appointment elsewhere in the building. It didn’t occur to me that this could be serious; I was only concerned about getting to my next appointment on time.

After the ultrasound they asked me to come back the next day for a biopsy. I had a sense of God-given peace as I reported for the procedure, and it went smoothly. Mary, the breast navigator, called me Monday with the results. I had Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. The tumor was very small – just 5 mm. I had shared all of this with my husband but not the rest of my family. My only concern was comforting them and assuring them that there was nothing to be concerned about. Everything was going to be alright. I’ll have a lumpectomy and depending on what they find from the lymph node biopsy, possibly some radiation. I began to think about the financial repercussions of a cancer diagnosis. But, again, I thought I’ll have the lumpectomy and any additional treatment before the end of the year without any cost to us. After all we had already met our deductible.

My husband and I met with the surgeon, and he told us the lymph node was negative for malignancy and he had removed the tumor with an acceptable clear margin around it. Great! Report to oncology and be done with it! It wasn’t until we met with the oncologist that I fully
understood the extent of my cancer. Yes, my tumor was tiny, but it merited the highest (worst) grade in all three categories of assessment. I would be required to have extensive chemotherapy treatment along with radiation. My mind immediately went to the cost again. We had a $3000 deductible. We usually meet this during the year. One of these treatments would cost more than that! How would we pay for it?

When we went for the first treatment the social worker, Jessica, asked us about what we did for a living and our financial situation. She told us about Beyond Pink TEAM and said she would apply for a grant for us. A few weeks later we got notice that we would receive a $1500 grant
that we could use for medical bills. What a relief! I am sharing my story to say THANK YOU to all of you who donated money, time, and resources with Beyond Pink. Your generosity is overwhelming!

I am nearly done with treatment. I finished chemotherapy last May and radiation in June. I am still undergoing IV treatment until February 2023
due to the HER2+ status of my tumor but I am feeling well and doing well! Again, THANK YOU!

NOTE: Grants are available from the Beyond Pink Fund. Talk with your social worker, navigator, or check out BPT website, Beyondpinkteam.org/financial for more information.