Tag Archives: stage zero breast cancer

DCIS & Cryoablation? Guest Blog

Posted on June 12, 2020 by Donna Pinto

My Croablation Journey by Christine B. I was diagnosed with DCIS stage 0 grade 2 June 2017. I was immediately turned over to a surgeon who strongly suggested a lumpectomy, radiation, and a hormone blocker. Better yet a mastectomy due … 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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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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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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What is “Low-risk” DCIS & Why is The COMET Study Urgently Needed?

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Donna Pinto

The COMET Study is the nation’s first prospective, randomized clinical trial aimed at resolving an ongoing debate about the best way to manage “low-risk” DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), also known as “stage zero” breast cancer. “This is a trial … Continue reading →

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Keeping Patient Perspectives at the Forefront of DCIS Research

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Donna Pinto

Patient Advocates from across the US and around the world came together to share insights about DCIS at the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The COMET Study Patient Leadership Team presented “Changing the DCIS Conversation: Development of an Alternative Discourse by … Continue reading →

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Active Surveillance P L U S (Proactive – Lifestyle – Understanding – Support) — Donna’s Vision

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Donna Pinto

“Active surveillance” of a “potential cancerous condition” through periodic medical imaging in itself can be extremely stressful — and the anxiety, worry, and fear of cancer developing or progressing may not go away as time goes on.    Active Surveillance … Continue reading →

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Aggressive Treatments for DCIS — or NOT? New Research Sheds Light

Posted on March 15, 2017 by Donna Pinto

I hope every woman diagnosed with low-risk DCIS today knows they have a great opportunity that did not exist for me (and thousands others) in the past.

I feel an incredible sense of gratitude to all the forces and people that have made the COMET Study possible — to the physicians and cancer centers who are making it available — and to the women who will participate. Thank you! Continue reading →

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Video of Donna’s Journey: 2009 – 2015

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Donna Pinto

It’s been 6 years. Click on this link to watch a video summarizing my journey. In addition to empowering women diagnosed with DCIS, I recently created a nonprofit with the mission to empower women to #LiveWELL and #BeWISE. Please check … Continue reading →

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