Breast Cancer Patients Share Their Best Advice

Explore Breast Cancer Patient Stories

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Stories

Amelia L., IDC, Stage 1, ER/PR+, HER2-



Symptom: Lump found during self breast exam

Treatments: TC chemotherapy; lumpectomy, double mastectomy, reconstruction; Tamoxifen

Rachel Y., IDC, Stage 1B



Symptoms: None; caught by delayed mammogram

Treatments: Double mastectomy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, hormone therapy Tamoxifen

Rach D., IDC, Stage 2, Triple Positive



Symptom: Lump in right breast

Treatments: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, double mastectomy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy

Caitlin J., IDC, Stage 2B, ER/PR+



Symptom: Lump found on breast

Treatments: Lumpectomy, AC/T chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy (Lupron & Anastrozole)

Joy R., IDC, Stage 2, Triple Negative



Symptom: Lump in breast

Treatments: Chemotherapy, double mastectomy, hysterectomy

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Stories

Erica C., DCIS, Stage 0



Symptoms: Indeterminate calcifications found on a routine mammogram
Treatment: Double mastectomy

Margaret A., IDC & DCIS, Stage 2B



Symptoms: Pain in left breast, left nipple inverting

Treatments: Double mastectomy, chemotherapy (AC-T), radiation

Alison R., Partially Differentiated DCIS, Stage 4 Metastatic



Cancer details: Triple positive = positive for HER2, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR)
1st Symptoms: Lump in underarm/breast
Treatment: Chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, targeted therapy

IDC & DCIS Stories

Natalie W., DCIS, Stage 0, ER+; Paget’s Disease



Symptom: Lump in right breast

Treatments: Lumpectomy, double subcutaneous mastectomy, hormone therapy (tamoxifen)

Margaret A., IDC & DCIS, Stage 2B



Symptoms: Pain in left breast, left nipple inverting

Treatments: Double mastectomy, chemotherapy (AC-T), radiation

Tina C., DCIS & LCIS, Stage 3A, ER+



Symptom: Sunken in nipple of right breast

Treatments: Double mastectomy, chemotherapy (AC-T), radiation, hormone therapy (tamoxifen, Zoladex)

Cat L., IDC & DCIS, Stage 2B, ER+



Symptom: Pain in left breast radiating from lump

Treatments: Bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy (tamoxifen)

LaShae R., IDC & DCIS, Stage 2B, ER+



Symptoms: Lump in breast, pain
Treatments: Chemotherapy (Taxotere and cyclophosphamide), proton radiation

Previvor BRCA2 Stories

Erika S., BRCA2 Mutation



Cancer Details: Previvor
1st Symptoms: Family history of breast cancer, no physical symptoms
Treatment: Preventative double mastectomy, direct implant reconstruction
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