Category Archives: Personal Stories

31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 15 — Toxic “Forever Chemicals” in Pink Post-It Notes May Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down, and evidence shows that even very low levels of PFAS exposure is not safe for human health. Please consider joining Breast Cancer Action in their campaign to call out … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 11 — It’s Ok to Opt Out of Mammograms

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… It’s Ok to Opt Out of Mammograms. In this must-read article, science writer, Christie Aschwanden lists key points (see below) of some of the “little known” harms of screening. She encourages women to review a chart on … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 10 — UNACCEPTABLE Rates of Failed Surgeries & When to Say “NO MORE”

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… The percentage of women who need a 2nd or 3rd surgery after a lumpectomy, (also called breast conserving surgery (BCS) or partial mastectomy) is alarmingly high — especially for DCIS (stage ZERO breast cancer).  One study showed … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 9 — Too Many Unnecessary Biopsies

Posted on October 9, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Did you know… 1.6 million breast biopsies are performed each year in the US, and approximately 80% are found to be benign. Why so many biopsies?  Fear of malpractice influences radiologists to order a biopsy of “anything and everything that … Continue reading →

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31 Days of “Little Known” FACTS — For Breast Cancer Awareness Month — Day 3 — $$$ for Metastasis

Posted on October 3, 2019 by Donna Pinto

Today is dedicated to my dear friend Sandie Walters (*see below) Did you know… Despite billions raised for awareness and early detection… “There is no actual decrease in the number of women and men dying from breast cancer each year. … Continue reading →

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The Importance of Being Informed, Treated with Compassion, and Advocating for Active Surveillance — Nancy Riopel’s Enlightening DCIS Story

Posted on September 20, 2019 by Donna Pinto

“Please, if you take one thing from my experience, consider the importance of being informed and being willing to advocate for the treatment options that you feel are best for you. I am not DCIS, I am not a ‘tumor’ … Continue reading →

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DCIS Support — Find Your Tribe on Facebook!

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Donna Pinto

There are five distinctly different “DCIS support groups” on Facebook. Some have strict rules. Differing viewpoints have led to heated debates and frustrations. Hopefully everyone can find a support tribe they most align with. Some may feel they benefit from … Continue reading →

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NO Informed Consent — Harmed by 5 Titanium Clips in Breast — DCIS Patient Shares Her Story and Advocacy

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Donna Pinto

by Lisa Nash (Presented at the State House in Boston to Senators and legislative staff): Hello, my name is Lisa Nash and I am here to speak with you about An Act Promoting Patient Engagement in Health Care Decisions. I … Continue reading →

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Donna’s 9 Year Update — Top 3 Questions, Lessons Learned, and 2019 Projects

Posted on January 20, 2019 by Donna Pinto

If not for photos with my children… I would not believe it’s been nine years since my journey with DCIS began. TOP 3 QUESTIONS I AM OFTEN ASKED 1. Did I ever have a recurrence of DCIS or invasive cancer? … Continue reading →

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Thankful for PCORI & Patient-Centered Research

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Donna Pinto

I recently had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of  PCORI — Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. Three days of presentations and panel discussions all focused on one recurring theme: Patient voices, preferences, values, experiences, and outcomes matter. I felt … Continue reading →

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