I Proved Her Wrong.
(My 2023 Update by Donna Pinto)
“Highly suspicious for malignancy,” was written on my mammography report in June 2011. “The pre-cancerous cells might now be INVASIVE CANCER,” my doctor said.
I had spent the last 18 months religiously implementing holistic diet and lifestyle strategies since a diagnosis of intermediate grade ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in January 2010.
With two young children, the looming threat of potential INVASIVE cancer was scary.
After several weeks of contemplation and research, I asked for an MRI. This report stated: “Suspicious for malignancy. Biopsy recommended.”
I found myself in the same boat as January 2010 when I was inspired by an article — Take Carcinoma Out and Ease Off Treatment. It discussed removing the anxiety-producing “C” word and implementing Active Surveillance. I felt there was a missing piece to the active surveillance approach as it did not address diet and lifestyle strategies to reduce the risk of cancer.
Now I questioned if all my efforts had failed to keep the DCIS from becoming invasive? There was no way to know for sure unless I removed the cells.
I decided it was time to have the “highly suspicious area” surgically removed. There was a second area of “indefinite” calcifications I left alone.
A few days later, a nurse called and said, “Good news Donna — NO INVASIVE CANCER, but… there are positive margins of DCIS… and we need to get you back for a re-excision.”
When my doctor told me the results of the 2nd surgery (attempt to get clear margins), she said, “A close margin still remained — and there was likely more DCIS.”
Next came her graphic statement:
“Your breast is like spoiled soup… it’s not worth saving.”
My gut instinct was, No way. I would not even consider mastectomy.
Then she said:
“Don’t be stupid Donna — at least do 3 weeks of radiation.”
She also told me, “You don’t want to wait until it’s not treatable.”
I was beyond frustrated and in disbelief. Remove my breast and/or bombard it with a double dose of daily radiation for something that was a risk factor — NOT actual CANCER???
In the weeks and months following, I continued to spend countless hours researching as well as consult with more experts.
A 2nd expert pathology opinion with the infamous Dr. Michael Lagios downgraded all my DCIS cells to LOW GRADE (from four biopsy/surgical tissue samples.)
I consulted with 3 more top surgeons, including flying to San Francisco to meet with the legendary Dr. Laura Esserman at UCSF. She ordered the Oncotype bio-marker test for me and the result was a LOW RISK score for invasive cancer.
I felt confident at this point to say NO MORE to the recommended aggressive treatment protocol to prevent a future breast cancer.
12 years later (Sept 2023), I can say with absolute certainty:
My breast was NOT “like spoiled soup.”
I was NOT “stupid.”
WAITING was a SMART thing to do.
I did not “NEED” a mastectomy, radiation or tamoxifen (as guidelines recommended.)
I am so HAPPY and GRATEFUL I focused on HOLISTIC NUTRITION and LIFESTYLE instead.
My young boys are young men now. We have all benefitted from my experience, research, and focus on healthy living!
12 years later, I can say with absolute certainty:
My breast was “WORTH SAVING.”
I was PERFECTLY HEALTHY (and I still am!)
I NEVER HAD BREAST CANCER!
It’s been 14 years since it all started with calcifications found on a routine screening mammogram at age 44.
My experience and resaerch led me to create DCIS 411 and become a Patient Advocate for informed consent and choice in breast cancer screening and treatments.
While breast cancer is scary — so is OVER-DIAGNOSIS and OVER-TREATMENT. Women deserve to know about and understand the serious potential harms of screening mammograms.
What is Overdiagnosis?
“Overdiagnosis happens when people get a diagnosis they don’t need. It can happen when people without symptoms are diagnosed and then treated for a disease that won’t actually cause them any symptoms, and it can happen for people whose symptoms or life experiences are given a diagnostic label which brings them more harm than good.
One common way overdiagnosis can happen is when healthy people who attend screening programs or receive tests during check-ups are diagnosed and subsequently treated for the early form of a disease which would never in fact have harmed them. With breast cancer screening for example, a systematic review of studies published in the British Medical Journal suggests that up to one in three of the cancers detected via screening may be overdiagnosed.” – Preventing Overdiagnosis
“In the last few decades we’ve learned that the types of breast cancers that do not grow, or grow very slowly and do not spread, are more common than expected.1 So they would never have an impact on a woman in her lifetime. When these types of cancer are detected by breast screening mammography, this is known as ‘overdiagnosis’.” –What is breast cancer overdiagnosis? Wiser Healthcare, Australia
What is Overtreatment?
“Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a prime example of potential overtreatment. DCIS is frequently detected by screening mammography, accounting for one quarter of all breast cancers diagnosed today. DCIS is usually treated similar to invasive breast cancer with surgery, radiation and hormone-blocking medicines. Despite newer research concluding these interventions provide no difference in survival, aggressive ‘cancer’ treatments remain the “standard of care,” and many women world-wide are faced with the life-long emotional, physical and financial consequences of aggressive treatments.” – PRECISION (PREvent ductal Carcinoma In Situ Invasive Overtreatment Now)
The Psychological Harms of Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment
One of the most devastating harm of overdiagnosis is the psychological harm which is impossible to quantify. If researchers spent time in online DCIS patient support groups, they would understand the enormity of the problem. Fear and misinformation are rampant and contagious.
A DCIS diagnosis often blindsides. Most women have no symptoms. Even if it is “stage zero,” the way it is presented by health-care professionals combined with a misperception of risk and lack of understanding of cancer itself creates a perfect storm for confusion, fear, anxiety and overwhelm. Most women want to act fast. Most want to get “it” out. Many women opt for a double mastectomy.
The image of cancer spreading. Memories of loved ones suffering and dying. Rumination. Sleepless nights. Thoughts of leaving young children without their mother. Worst-case scenarios and story after story of recurrences or invasive cancer found after lumpectomy or mastectomy.
No matter how much evidence is presented to the contrary about a large majority of DCIS being “low-risk” and “non-invasive,” the tendency to fixate on the scariest words and images is hard to shake.
The reality is — the majority of women receiving a diagnosis of DCIS are more likely to be overdiagnosed than they are to be in danger of having actual invasive breast cancer in the future.
The main driver of overdiagnosis is mammography screening. If DCIS of any type is detected (even the lowest risk), doctors must follow “standard of care” guidelines, which include treatment protocols that set women up for being over-scared and over-treated.
In hindsight, I wish I had fired the surgeon who fear-mongered me far earlier.
I do feel incredibly grateful and happy I had a strong intuition that my doctor was wrong and I needed to find support elsewhere.
Instead of fearing cancer, I studied nutrition. I created DCIS 411, and I made connections with like-minded women. I also set up daily google alerts and searched for information from thought-leaders who were speaking out about overdiagnosis and overtreatment of DCIS. This has always resonated with me and I have never identified with “cancer” or the fear of cancer.
I now have 12 years of evidence. My instincts were right.
Watch Inside Edition video below.
Read more of my story here.
Please share any thoughts, experiences or ideas in the “Reply box” below.
DCIS 411 
Donna,
I was shocked at my own diagnosis! I feel I did have trauma as I have shared with you. I am so thankful to have found you and you are part of my life journey. Over the years I’ve removed a lot of things especially toxic relationships and thoughts. It’s funny how my radiologist in Charlotte felt so comfortable letting me skip radiation for a just under 4 mm of calcifications while the breast surgeon bullied me and scared me about cancer and dying. The Duke radiologist wanted me to also have just 3 weeks and not the 8 weeks originally suggested! I hope to God all I’ve done will be enough! I love you for your strength and always so positive and so full of resource! You are truly and inspiration! Love you!
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Maya….you are one of my great blessings on this journey!! I will never forget those early days when you texted me nonstop with so many questions and concerns. We had/have a deep spiritual connection and I am so thankful you took the time to explore the resources and not give in to the fear that was extremely strong and well-inended coming from many directions (doctors, family and friends). Thank you for your love, support, prayers and friendship! xoxo
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Almost the exact same things happened to me. I did suffer through two biopsies I feel I did not need but pushed back on any treatment. Its been 8 years now. I have had two clear MRI’s and trying to get a third. No one wants to follow peolple like me or Donna because they want to make the money from treatments.
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Hi Joy, Great you are 8 years out now with 2 clear MRIs. I switched to automated ultrasound in 2016 after meeting Dr. Kevin Kelly and I had done 4 annual MRIs which were clear. I started to worry about the contrast dye. You may have seen my blog post about SonoCine, but here is the link: https://dcis411.com/2017/01/10/bye-bye-mammograms-hello-sonocine-ultrasound/
Wishing you continued radiant health and all good news!! xoxo
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As always, your updates are a continued inspiration to all of us who found your blog, which gave us courage to refuse overdiagnosis! Your saga and mine started at just about the same time, around 2010, and as you know, I refused the biopsy for some microcalcs which were also described as “suspicious for malignancy”. Year after year, I refused the biopsy, because I wanted to surveil the situation rather than jump into an invasive procedure. Finally last year, I was told the calcs were benign, no biopsy needed. Why? Because after over 10 years of observation via mammogram, with no change or growth, they finally had to admit it was a benign finding. My internist sure did look sheepish about all this but I think has admitted within himself that I was right. But what I should have told him is that Donna Pinto gave me the strength to carry on through over a decade of surveillance. It was stressful but worth it to prove my point and keep myself out of the hands of bullies who wanted to bill me for their UNnecessary services! Keep on keepin on Donna, and I will update you next year!
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Wonderful to hear from you my long-time friend and supporter of DCIS 411 and me!! You have been a great inspiration to many who are told to have a biopsy. More women now are questioning this and holding out or finding safer imaging technologies that can rule out invasive cancer such as automated ultrasound.
I do appreciate your annual check-in and I wish you continued vibrant health and lots of peace, love and laughter. 😃 Donna
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Donna-thank you for your strength and truth telling. I’ve been so stressed for weeks since the radiologist put me on dcis path. I finally found you and your insight and it echos everything I feel and have read in research (like digging research not regular google). It was so reassuring and I finally slept well because of your story and supporting recourses. You are helping so so much. Thank you 🙏
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🙏🙏🙏 I’m so happy you found my site and info — and it helped! Wishing you continued empowerment, health and sleep! ❤️ Donna
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Yes, I am one of the victims of over treatment. Perfect health, routine mammogram, calcifications, stage0, fear of spreading, lumpectomy. But my instincts refused rads and Tami. Then onco says ok, only pre cancer. This was all last year. I have had upper back pain since the day after surgery. Surgeon doesn’t know why, but he did mention leaving clips in my breast!! I thought it came out with surgery! Thank you for sharing all these stories, I don’t feel too dumb and alone, but then I do sometimes worry if it will spread since it was opened up. Size of golf ball tissue scooped out for tiny half grain of rice calcification. I just keep faith in my maker above to protect me. Thank you for your time. Blessings to you and your family.
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So sorry about all that you went through and then back pain. I hope you find relief. Yoga has helped me a lot and so has chiropractor after a car accident caused neck pain. Acupuncture may help as well. As more women like us share the real-life harms of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, hopefully the madness will stop and more emphasis will be on holistic ways to reduce risk of cancer and improve overall health! Sending a hug and blessings, Donna
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Donna- Thank you so much for being a revel and seeking your answers. You have paved the way for others to be spared from suffering unnecessary pain. I wish I had known about you before when my mother was diagnosed in 2013. She had a lumpectomy and radiation, a tiny section of DCIS. I supported her on that journey. Little did I know all that could have been prevented.
It is now my turn to seek answers as well for me. I was asked to follow up with a diagnostic after a routine mammogram in December. I felt so much fear. I wanted to talk to the radiologist but was denied that until the biopsy day. I did not want to have it done, but at the same time, my breast had been hurting for two months. So I went with it. What a mistake. That procedure was so traumatic I almost fainted. The results were for Atypical hyperplasia, pre-cancerous cells. Thanks to your blog, I found Dr. Thompson in Houston. He has a conservative approach and has advised me to observe. I have been changing my lifestyle as a preventive measure and learning more about preventing inflammation. At this moment, almost ten months later, my breast still hurts. Where can I find other women who have experienced breast pain? I need some advise, please.
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Hi Rosie, sorry to hear about your persistent pain. You could join some DCIS groups and ask…many women have complained of pain after biopsies and surgeries. Some have said that it was the clip or marker left by the biopsy. I had a lot of pain for many months after needle biopsy then a surgical biopsy. I did a castor oil pack for 30 min a day for a month and it helped a lot. You can find out how to do it on Youtube. Blessings and please keep in touch! Here is link to “DCIS is Not Cancer” group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2705935319693424
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Thank you so much for your quick reply and suggestion for reducing pain. I will reach out to the group as well.
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Terrified. That’s what I am.
Mammo and sonogram showed 2cm. Doc assured me that it’s not cancer and recommended lumpectomy and 5-6 weeks daily radiation.
But, MRI (with contrast) a couple weeks ago showed 10(!)cm!!
Doc and radiologist both recommended mastectomy. Said that’s the only option. They said that there might be invasive cancer hiding out in there somewhere. Absolutely no symptoms. Doc told me that no one ever would have found it with a manual exam. It’s not lumpy.
Mom had breast cancer with mastectomy when she was 50. Died of bone cancer when she was 63.
I’m 65, the absolute vision of health. All 3 of my sisters and no other woman in my family have ever had any breast problems. (I’m STILL waiting for the gene test results. They made a clerical error. So, instead of 2-3 weeks, it’s SIX! Not sure if the gene tests makes any difference with DCIS cuz I haven’t a clue what they’re testing FOR!). One sister and mom had to have hysterectomies for tumor in their 30s. One niece had hysterectomy with ovaries removed at 19. (Sister with hysterectomy daughter). So, doc is thinking that with all that “female” cancer in my family, I’m toast.
Maybe I AM toast. I don’t know! They want to mastectomy in a few weeks.
I’m changing the way I eat (have most 6 pounds in the last couple weeks). But, need to find an appropriate diet plan. I’ve cut out most sugars and starches. Eggs aren’t an option for me and I hate yogurt type stuff. So sometimes, I don’t know what to eat, so fast through a meal. I love milk (usually drink a glass a day, but have cut back to 1/4 of that or less/day. I’m not much for junk food and rarely drink although
I removed all alcohol from my house. (Red wine is heart healthy, but I guess it isn’t so good for cancer or pre cancer. Who knew!? Haven’t seen THAT advertised anywhere!. I want a glass of wine BADLY to simply calm down.).
Anyway, I need to get 2nd opinion. Am terrified to talk to oncologist (at Roswell) about all this cuz I know he has to push SOC. I postponed the surgery cuz he wanted to do it just before thanksgiving. I have fam from 3 states coming in. Not willing to give that up.
I need help and haven’t a CLUE where to turn.
Are they SURE that DCIS becomes invasive?
Does it make a difference if it’s 10cm or 2cm as far as fatality?
He said it doesn’t grow. So, how did it get to be 10cm?!
I haven’t seen the MRI yet. He’s got that pretty picture all set up and ready to show me.
Terrified. And soooo confused!
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Hi Cathy, so sorry to hear all the fear that has been created. So good you found my site and you are taking a time out so you can get more info and make informed decisions not based in fear!! Did you have a biopsy? You may want to seek a 2nd opinion on all imaging from Dr. Meghna Krishnan: https://www.3dbreastultrasound.com/second-opinion-reads.html. Keep asking questions when something doesn’t feel right. I am happy to help as well!! I have a lot of info and I know it can be overwhleming. Just slow it down, eat good wholesome food, exercise, get fresh air, take extra good care of yourself, make sleep a priority and try to find some peace. Sending you blessings, Donna
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Hello Donna, Have been researching DCIS for over 2 weeks now since a recent mammo (then bx) found a 25yrs.+ chronic cyst had grown from .5 last year to a 1.5cm recently. As this cyst had swollen and shrunk throughout my life with menestration, coffee/chocolate, etc. and a bx 20 yrs ago showed negative calcifications, I wasn’t too worried, just thinking the recent mammo was taken during a swollen week. Last week’s bx showed High-grade DCIS, Multiple areas suspicious for focal micro invasion, nuclear grade 2-3, comedy necrosis. He recommends SOC, single or double mastectomy, etc. (nothing noted in left breast!) Also an MRI scheduled for next week. I may be beyond DCIS 411 suggestions but with the info I’m seeing and multiple friends with breast Ca, I am researching in all directions. Your suggestions would add to my growing pile of information. Thank You and continued good health! Deb
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If you are interested in healing naturally, there are a couple good BC groups to join. Depends on if you want 100% natural or integrative.
Also I highly recommend Chisbeatcancer.com
Sending love and light!
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Pingback: Lumpectomy’s Little Secret: Women Uninformed about High Re-Excision Rates & Mastectomies for DCIS | DCIS 411
actually, sorry, i found his website that states no new patients after 2018….geez….any further recommends perhaps?
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