Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Balancing Fear with Information and Taking Action

When fear takes over and anxiety dominates decisions, people often have knee-jerk reactions to the situations they face. The response to a breast cancer diagnosis is one of the most well-known examples of this intense emotional process.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), also known as intraductal carcinoma or stage 0 breast cancer, is a non-invasive or pre-invasive breast cancer found in the milk duct, according to most experts [1]. Approximately 56,500 women get diagnosed with DCIS every year [2]. Most of these women have lumpectomies followed by radiation therapy [3], and some have mastectomies [4], but should they?

Nicole Argento, a New Jersey mother of two and an executive creative in the beauty brand space, was recently diagnosed with DCIS after a routine mammogram. “Hearing my diagnosis made me panic. I was buzzing through a blizzard of fear,” said Nicole in an interview.

Upon turning to Google, Nicole quickly found that DCIS is a breast cancer that can be removed with surgery, as stated by the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute [2, 5]. Later, a surgeon recommended a mastectomy followed by radiation therapy. Nicole’s fears skyrocketed as a result.

But instead of simply bowing to the fear of cancer, Nicole became anxious about the procedure that would alter her body and require reconstruction. The effects of radiation also alarmed her. “They treated me like I was dying, but they also told me they could make me look like a movie star. I felt like I was in a chop shop, so I decided to investigate,” she said.

Another Google search led Nicole to Pennsylvania-based Dr. Jennifer Simmons, an integrative oncologist, functional medicine physician, and former breast surgeon. After watching Dr. Jenn's podcasts, Nicole made an appointment and purchased her book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, which she read from cover to cover in a matter of hours.

During an interview, Dr. Jenn explained, “DCIS is not cancer. In fact, the name needs to be changed. Women need to know that there is no urgency with a diagnosis of DCIS. They should not feel like surgery is emergent.” Dr. Jenn also informed Nicole that only three types of breast cancer require immediate surgery and other extreme measures. These types are inflammatory breast cancer, breast cancer that has caused a fracture, and brain metastases.

“The different ways of thinking about a breast cancer diagnosis were confusing,” said Nicole. “I needed more information, for sure.”

In addition to meeting with Dr. Jenn, Nicole underwent genetic testing and was relieved to learn that she does not have “a breast cancer gene.” Nicole had quite a few mammograms, two biopsies, and an MRI as well. “Having back-to-back mammograms and waiting for the biopsy results was torturous,” she admitted. Nicole also asked for other opinions about her pathology reports. The final diagnosis was borderline atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and DCIS, with the MRI showing that there were no other causes for concern.

“ADH is benign. Both ADH and DCIS do not require immediate surgery. Patients have time to understand their situation and integrate approaches that could stabilize, reduce, or even eliminate abnormal cells encapsulated by the milk duct,” said Dr. Jenn.

Given all of the information, Nicole has opted for a functional medicine approach. “I am working with Dr. Jenn on a very specific protocol based on many contributing factors. We are still investigating a few areas, but we began with bloodwork and a GI map. Focusing first on restoring my gut health to help reduce inflammation in my body is vital,” said Nicole.

Moving forward, Dr. Jenn will monitor Nicole’s progress, particularly checking for cell doubling, using Quantitative Transmission (QT) Ultrasound, which the FDA approved as an adjunct to mammography [6]. QT imaging is known for being comfortable, safe, radiation-free, fast, and efficient, with 40 times the resolution of an MRI. Any next steps for Nicole will depend on each ultrasound and other relevant considerations.

Nicole's outlook is hopeful. “I view healing as a holistic, joyful, and inspired experience, rather than an overwhelming chore. Knowing that it will be a longer process, I am not rushing it. I am floating through rather than pushing against, trying to heal on multiple levels, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I am taking time for myself, slowing down, trusting this process, and working with other healers through cognitive behavioral therapy, energy healing, meditation, acupuncture, and Chinese herbs.”

Photo credit: Nicole Argento

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice.

References

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dcis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371889
Breast Cancer Statistics | How Common Is Breast Cancer? Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html
Goodwin A, Parker S, Ghersi D, Wilcken N. Post-operative radiotherapy for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast. Cochrane Breast Cancer Group, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published online November 21, 2013. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000563.pub7
Hwang ES. The Impact of Surgery on Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Outcomes: The Use of Mastectomy. JNCI Monographs. 2010;2010(41):197-199. doi:10.1093/jncimonographs/lgq032
Breast Cancer—Patient Version - NCI. Accessed June 14, 2024. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast
Malik B, Terry R, Wiskin J, Lenox M. Quantitative transmission ultrasound tomography: Imaging and performance characteristics. Medical Physics. 2018;45(7):3063-3075. doi:10.1002/mp.12957