Kaitlyn's Story May 2023 - Kaitlyn was initially diagnosed with Breast Cancer. DCIS - Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. What is DCIS? Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a condition that affects the cells of the milk ducts in the breast. The cells lining the milk ducts turn malignant (cancerous) but stay in place (in situ). DCIS is an early form of breast cancer. It is not invasive — the malignant cells do not grow through the wall of the duct or spread to lymph nodes or the blood stream. • DCIS accounts for about 20% of breast cancers • The condition does not usually cause symptoms but can show up on a mammogram, typically as microcalcification clusters. • DCIS can be treated with surgery, sometimes with radiation and medicine. Chemotherapy is not needed. Usually, Radiation therapy is not needed for DCIS if treated with mastectomy Ductal carcinoma in situ does not have specific symptoms such a lump or breast pain. “Most cases are diagnosed in a mammogram before causing any symptoms,”. DCIS most commonly shows up on a mammogram as new calcium deposits, but not always — sometimes, a distortion of the breast tissue on the scan can be a sign of DCIS. Will DCIS return or spread? • Since DCIS is a noninvasive form of cancer, it does not spread throughout the body (metastasize). • For patients having a lumpectomy with radiation, the risk of local recurrence ranges from 5% to 15%. • For those having mastectomy, the risk of local recurrence is less than 2%. Patients who receive hormonal therapy after surgery further reduce their risk of recurrence by half. • Breast cancer may develop in the patient’s other breast, but only in about 5% of cases. If this happens, the cancer in the second breast is not considered a recurrence, but a new primary breast cancer. It can also be a different type of breast cancer. Kaitlyn was 21 at the time of her diagnosis. She found a lump while doing a self-breast exam. She was too young to have mammogram screenings. This finding started a whirlwind of appointments. She had mammogram and ultrasound to evaluate the initial lump that was found. Those results came back as DCIS. She had an MRI to check things out and, on that MRI, they found additional spots that needed to be evaluated. So, at the end of May she had four more biopsies. Imaging procedures, consults with surgeons, oncologists, genetic counselors, and plastic surgeons. June 2023 - Genetic testing was done and revealed no genetic markers. June 2023 - consults with surgical oncologist and plastic surgeon, procedures explained in detail with the surgery expected to take 6-8 hours/ Prognosis was good and Kaitlyn decided her course of treatment, Double Mastectomy with reconstruction. Nipple-sparing mastectomy preserves the entire breast skin envelope, including the nipple and areola, while removing all breast tissue Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a condition that affects the cells of the milk ducts in the breast. The cells lining the milk ducts turn malignant (cancerous) but stay in place (in situ). DCIS is an early form of breast cancer. Surgery was scheduled for July 17th, 2023. After a brief overnight stay, Kaitlyn was on her way home to begin her healing journey. All biopsies took during the surgery, from tissue behind the nipples and lymph nodes, everything came back negative. Recovery was manageable and the Dr's were pleased with how things were going. August 8th, 2023, all drains were removed and the process of filling the spacers could begin. Jamie Lee was an invaluable friend and resource for Kaitlyn. Dana, the owner of AnaOno called Kaitlyn and asked if she would walk for her in New York Fashion Week, September 2023. She said YES! It was an amazing experience. Kaitlyn shared her story: ( R )Evolution - "being diagnosed with breast cancer at such a young age definitely changed my perspective of the what the pink ribbon means. As a 21-year-old, a pink ribbon is all pretty and fun but when you actually get a diagnosis you realize all the harm, trauma, and decision making there is actually behind it. ( R )Evolution to me is sticking up for myself and my health to get taken serious about my breasts. No doctor wants to believe a 21-year-old could get breast cancer or even choose to get a double mastectomy. It's possible It happened to me." @kaitlynyack November 2023, Kaitlyn had her final reconstruction surgery. Through all of this Kaitlyn kept up her studies and resumed clinicals for her Radiology Tech program, graduating in May 2024. July 2024 Kaitlyn and Tyler started their new journey in life. They moved to Frisco Texas. Kaitlyn got a wonderful job opportunity at a women's clinic and Tyler found his dream job. Kaitlyn studied and passed her board certifications to perform mammograms at the clinic. Life just came full circle. February 2025 Tyler asked Kaitlyn to marry him, she said YES!! Also, February 2025, Kaitlyn found another lump on her breast. Kudos to Kaitlyn for being diligent in her monthly self-breast exams. She had a MRI and it picked up some "spots". Biopsies of three of the spots followed. Results: DCIS Not the results everyone was praying for. March 2025, additional biopsies were done on some additional spots. This was to confirm if they were or were not cancer. The whirlwind part 2. Oncologist appointments, Surgeon appointments, Plastic Surgeon appointments. More decisions to be made. Decisions a 23 year old should not have to make. This time there will be no skin saving/nipple preserving, there will need to be a skin graft to complete the reconstruction. Kaitlyn will have to undergo 3 different surgeries over the next year with daily Radiation, for 3-6 weeks, after the first surgery. Her first surgery will take place April 8th. As Kaitlyn undergoes treatment, she will need to take time off work to focus on her health. We want to ensure that she can do so without the added stress of financial burdens. Many people have asked what they can do to help. We have created this page to update everyone, and fundraising has started to help cover her bills, medical expenses, and daily necessities, allowing her to heal without worry. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!