My Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

Not all breast cancer is the same. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a type of early-stage cancer where cancer cells form in the lining of the milk ducts in the breasts. DCIS typically doesn’t show symptoms, so mammograms are essential for detecting this type of breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 5 new breast cancers will be DCIS. DCIS is considered stage 0 breast cancer. It doesn’t spread to other parts of the body, but if left untreated, it can lead to invasive breast cancer.

Amy List was diagnosed with DCIS in 2021. Here’s Amy’s story, in her words.

Being Diagnosed with DCIS

Two weeks after I turned 53 I received a phone call from the nurse navigator informing me my breast biopsy showed breast cancer. I had dense breast tissue and had previous biopsies that showed atypical ductal hyperplasia and was being closely followed in the high risk breast cancer clinic with Dr. Kulick.

I was diagnosed with left breast DCIS or ductal carcinoma in situ in July 2021.

I’ve been practicing as a Physician Assistant for my entire career and began looking into my treatment options. I was set up to see Dr. Kulick the following week.

I remember the first thing she said to me was “are you okay?” Despite being the last patient of her day she sat down and before any treatment discussion she first wanted to know how I was doing emotionally with the diagnosis.

After listening to all the options I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I wanted the most aggressive option to reduce my risk of reoccurrence.

I then met Dr. Sugg in plastic surgery to discuss reconstruction. He was so professional and kind and I elected for immediate reconstruction at the time of my bilateral mastectomies.

Dr. Kulick and Dr. Sugg worked together during my surgery in September 2021. I finished my reconstruction in February 2022.

I feel completely fine and the entire process went very smoothly. I knew I was in excellent hands and could not recommend them more highly!

My husband and I are so grateful for the excellent care I had and continue to receive with both Dr. Kulick and Dr. Sugg as I will need lifelong surveillance.