Ashley was 38 when she learned she had breast cancer. Genetic testing also showed she has the CHEK2 inherited genetic mutation. This is her story in her own words.
I thought it was menopause. In 2024, I had hot flashes and would still leak fluid from my breast if I hand expressed, even though I had been done with breastfeeding for more than two years.
A Mammogram and Ultrasound
I went to my OBGYN and she suggested going for a diagnostic mammogram. I had a hysterectomy that January and thought I may be peri menopausal. I went for my first mammogram and it lit up like a Christmas tree. The radiologist took extra images.
Walking over to my breast ultrasound afterwards, I was told the radiologist would come out and speak to me after. After the ultrasound, the radiologist told me I would need a breast biopsy and I needed a breast surgeon to do that.
Finding a Breast Surgeon and Having a Biopsy
I called my doctor the next day to get the referral. Within a day or two, they called me in to the office and scheduled a biopsy within the same week. The technician told me it was probably nothing. I replied that “whatever it was, we caught it early.” They told me to be optimistic, and I knew catching it early meant I was being optimistic.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Surgery Options
Within a week, I got my results back. I had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). I couldn’t do a lumpectomy because there would be nothing to save, because I had microcalcifications everywhere on my left side. The breast surgeon said the tumor was at least 7cm long, but my whole left breast just scared her. We went over my options and I decided on a double mastectomy.
Genetic Testing & Learning About CHEK2
I then had genetic testing done to see if I had any genetic mutations that would help guide treatment. When those results came back, I found out I have the CHEK2 inherited gene mutation. That only convinced me my decision to have a double mastectomy was the right one for me. My surgeon said I could do a skin-sparing mastectomy and told me that this would all happen in four weeks.
Choosing a DIEP Flap Procedure
I met with my plastic surgeon the following week to go over my options for breast reconstruction and ultimately decided on a DIEP flap procedure. In December, I had my double mastectomy, and in February, I had a DIEP flap. We delayed the next step, fat grafting, until after a planned family vacation. In July, I had my first fat grafting done and am still figuring out my new body.
Follow Your Gut
I am so glad I followed my gut and went to my doctor. My surgeon told me it was good that I went to my OBGYN when I did. My cancer had not yet reached any of my lymph nodes . DCIS is scary, and now I live with an inherited gene mutation that puts me at risk for other cancers.
Advocate for Yourself
It’s important to be your own advocate. If something doesn’t feel right or if something feels off, it never hurts to ask. I didn’t even have a lump. I’m still in recovery from surgery, but I’m hopeful I will have a long lifetime left to live with my husband and two small children.
Statements and opinions expressed are that of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
