At 42 years old, Tanesha Patterson was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer often categorized as Stage 0 and marked by the presence of cancerous cells within the milk ducts that haven’t spread to other tissues. Her DCIS was estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), meaning her cancer cells responded to these hormones. Though it’s considered an early form of breast cancer, the journey with DCIS can be just as emotionally intense and challenging as any other cancer diagnosis.
For Tanesha, one of the most difficult aspects of having a DCIS diagnosis has been the way it’s perceived—by others and by the healthcare system. “Why am I treated differently?” she asks. Because DCIS isn’t classified as invasive, certain scans and follow-up treatments aren’t covered annually by insurance companies, which means that patients like Tanesha can be left without the comprehensive care and surveillance they may need to monitor their health effectively. Despite not being invasive, DCIS is still cancer, and Tanesha’s experience speaks to the gaps in understanding and support that patients in her situation often face.
Life after a DCIS diagnosis is more than just returning to normal. It’s about creating a new reality that accounts for the emotional and psychological impacts of living with the knowledge of a cancer diagnosis. “People see me and assume I’m fine,” Tanesha shares, “but I know I’m forever changed.” Tanesha’s journey has been an emotional rollercoaster, marked by moments of gratitude, resilience, and a need for ongoing therapy and support.
Through therapy and a strong support network, Tanesha has found a way to process and navigate her new life. She acknowledges that even with non-invasive cancer, the emotional impacts run deep. Despite the difficulties, she remains thankful to have made it through this experience and looks forward to the relationships and connections she has formed along the way. “The best part has been the wonderful new people I have connected with on this journey,” she reflects.
Tanesha’s story is a powerful reminder of the complexities of living with DCIS and the importance of advocacy, both for oneself and for others who may face similar struggles. She encourages others with DCIS to push for the care they need and to seek out support systems, whether through family, friends, or professional networks. Life may not return to what it once was, but with the right tools and connections, it can be meaningful and fulfilling in new ways.
