Meet MJ
"Why Me"
Hi, my name is Melissa Jane, but I go by MJ. I am 41 years old, former college athlete and have remained an active, overall healthy person. I admit, I do have my vices but don't we all. I also have no family history of breast cancer, so I never really thought this is something that could happen to me. But that all changed when I got the call on November 6th, 2024. After two biopsies, my right breast which the Dr. said was "probably nothing" was positive for cancer, High Grade DCIS Breast Cancer (Stage 0). I was lucky, I caught it early and I am going to be ok, however, this is something I will always have to live with and worry about.
My initial reaction was "why me". Why is this happening to me? But after doing some soul searching and telling friends and family about my diagnosis, I began to realize that maybe this is happening for me. Happening for me so that I can share my story in hopes of raising awareness and helping others get mammograms and check ups because guess what... EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES. So many women put off getting a mammogram because they are scared, or because they can't afford it.
We need to change the narrative around breast cancer being scary and focus on the importance of early detection. This is why I created the non-profit, All Boobies Matter, to help raise awareness about early detection and also raise money for women who need financial assistance to get the testing necessary to be able to treat early stage breast cancer and live a healthy life. Thank you for all of your support and being on this journey with me.
What is DCIS?
DCIS which stands for Ductal Carcinoma In Situ is a very early form of breast cancer. In ductal carcinoma situ, the cancer cells are confined inside a milk duct in the breast. The cancer cells haven't spread into the breast tissue. DCIS is considered stage 0 breast cancer. DCIS can be found by mammogram and with a biopsy and is easily treatable if caught early. *If you have dense breast, additional MRI screening and testing may be needed to catch breast cancer.
Treatment Options
Figuring out the best treatment option for you can be very stressful and confusing. Doctors might have different opinions as well as friends and family. Also depending on the size of your boobs as well as the size of the cancer (and if it has spread) will also determine what option is best especially when deciding between a Lumpectomy and a Mastectomy. Looking at all options and making the best decision that feels right for you is what matters. You know your body best so do what feels right for YOU!