From Stage 0 to Stage 1a: My Breast Cancer Journey

Hi Leslie, yes the waiting is one of the worst parts.. I have a similar story, I had an abnormal mammogram April 2023, was told after biopsy it was DCIS stage 0, I did a lot of research on DCIS thought I was prepared, but after my surgery in September 2023 pathology report came back Invasive ductal ca, 4mm tumor grade II KI-67 60%, ER/HER2- PR 5% weak. All margins clear, I had to go back in the OR to have 3 lymph node’s removed they too came back clear, now I’m told I am stage 1B near TNBC, that alone has been overwhelming. Starting radiation soon, I will say don’t be afraid to get second opinion when it comes to treatments because everyone a little bit different. Also, I’m going to start Mistletoe treatment help boost my immune system.

That’s what concerns me! The original diagnosis changing to something worse 😔 I know I am covered by His blood but the waiting in between is what causes the anxiety.

Danielle, when I tell you that I have been LEANING on the promises of God, I mean if. Prayer and encouragement from other believers have carried me through. When the diagnosis changed I was strangely calm. All the songs that I’ve been singing for years, have new meaning for me. Here in the middle is where He promised to be.

@Leslie…. YESSSSSS!! ME TOOO!!!! I honestly want to me upset and scream and cry but GOD has saturated me in His Peace! I only say that because what we’re going through MENTALLY and EMOTIONALLY Is devastating but GOD is in the midst and He’s making it so I don’t look like, or act like what I’m going through… THANK YOU JESUS!!!

Yes Thank you Jesus

@ Danielle and Leslie. That's what I want. The peace of God with this cancer diagnosis. I've started to read The Promise of Suffering by John MacArthur. I'm starting to get moments of peace.

@Melani it really is keeping our focus on JESUS and NOT what we see! GOD will work it ALL out for our good even if we don’t see it right now! When the negative thoughts come, lay them at his feet 🙏🏽

Hi Leslie, curious question, any reason you went for the unilateral mastectomy, instead of a lumpectomy? I’m currently DCIS, stage zero, cluster of calcifications were found in the right breast. Just got MRI results that show two suspicious spots on the left side. Looks like I’ll have to have another biopsy. We’ve only discussed lumpectomy over the last few weeks, but starting to weight the pros and cons of a double mastectomy. So much to think about. On top of all of this, I am extremely dense. Would love some thoughts from this group.. thank you.

Hi Sisters, I just want to chime in and say Hello to Everyone. I was recently diagnosed with Breast cancer for the 2nd time. I completely trust God through it all. I declare cancer has no authority over our bodies. Jesus has already spoken for us. We are the healed of the Lord. I stand with you all and stand on the word of God. By Jesus stripes we are healed.

Hi Terra, I weighed a double mastectomy but after a bilateral MRI and genetics testing, I went for the most aggressive surgical option that would address the cancer. My DCIS was extensive and I have smallish breasts. If my doctor did a lumpectomy there was a chance she would not have had clean margins, and that would have meant more surgery and likely radiation. Additionally the MRI suggested micro invasion was possible, and that’s exactly what happened. I know a lot of women manage DCIS with double mastectomies. I chose not to do it because the MRI did not identify any suspicious masses. I’ll add that I am blessed to have a brilliant Black Howard educated woman as my surgeon and advocate. Her wisdom and intelligence have been my guiding light. She gives me information and she let me choose.

Terra, I’m also dense in my breast tissue as well.

Good Morning Leslie,

@ Terra I also was told all I needed was a lumpectomy. Breast cancer was Lobules Carcinoma 5.1cm 12 o’clock above the nipple. No signs of cancer in the Lymph Nodes nor Bones and brain. I was told I will do reconstruction afterwards. After waiting and waiting for an appointment due to no plastic surgeon was available at the same time of my breast surgery, it became a Bilateral mastectomy. I was so confused to why and no one had a reason why it change. My only though was because of the size. After changing doctor’s and starting over basically I decided to go with the double mastectomy due to have low breast density and the size of the tumor. I’m stage 2B positive and it receptive to Estrogen. I want to limit my chances of it returning although it is never 0. But the God I serve has the control. I have changed the way I eat which is based on my blood type. O+. I feel better than before.

God Bless you all I have faith in the Lord thank you Ladies for sharing your story that help me going.through breast cancer getting a second opinion now the process starts soon.

The waiting period between diagnosis stages can feel emotionally exhausting, and those feelings are completely valid during such an uncertain time. Many people in this community have navigated similar transitions and understand how challenging it can be to process evolving pathology results while waiting for next steps from the care team.