A Lump in the Road: My Personal Journey with a Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (Dcis) Diagnosis

Kate thought she had it figured out. Life so far was pretty straight forward with only a few challenges. When Kate turned 40, an unclear spot was noted on her very first mammogram. She was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), a type of cancer she had never heard of, even though there are about 60,000 new cases of it (that is 1 in 5 of every new breast cancer diagnosis) each year in the United States. DCIS is the presence of abnormal cells inside the milk ducts of the breast. It is considered the earliest form of breast cancer and is noninvasive, as it has not spread to invade other parts of the breast. It has close to 100% survival rate. Women who are diagnosed with DCIS live in limbo between being survivors of cancer and not having ＂real＂ invasive cancer that requires chemotherapy and/or radiation. But the tests are similar, the waiting for results is identical, and the emotional ups and downs are just as gutting. Kate’s journey through a year of cancer diagnoses, doctor’s appointments, decisions, surgeries, and recoveries sheds light on her own personal journey through the emotions of cancer. Though no woman chooses the same cancer treatment journey, all will face anger, tears, weakness, laughter, strength, and solidarity.

Kate Navarra has had the title of archaeologist, curator, historian, and is reveling in her current career as stay-at-home mom who is rarely home. Diagnosed with DCIS (Dual Carcinoma In Situ) in 2019, she continues to rewrite her story with her family in the Pacific Northwest. She is also the author of Holyoke: The Skinner Family and Wistariahurst, Destination Holyoke, and Lake Sammamish Through Time.