Though It Doesn’t Define Me

It’s not true to say, “I never thought cancer would happen to me” because I don’t think like this.

But it is very true to say, “I was completely caught off guard.”

Since early September 2025, I have been managing a breast cancer diagnosis like 59,000 others diagnosed this year with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)-a non-invasive form of cancer. Breastcancer.org  Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

Summers are busy. As ours was ending, I felt exhausted. I looked worn out. I attributed this to a level of physical and social activity that brought me great joy. So, I blamed my lack of energy on age and activity level.

I was wrong.

Mammograms

I calmly strolled into Omaha’s CHI Lakeside Hospital for a routine screening mammogram on August 4^th. This year I also had my biennial DEXA bone scan. Before leaving, the radiologist spoke to me about suspicious areas on my breast scan. I agreed to a follow-up diagnostic mammogram on the 20^th. Again, I didn’t panic. Several years ago, I also had to have additional screenings. All with no worrisome outcomes.

 This year it was different.

The radiologist shared the enlarged images and areas of concern. I grew troubled looking at the scattered calcifications.

I was super relieved to hear this was caught in a very early stage and grateful for my commitment to annual screenings.

Admittedly, I left in a daze.

So much information was given in a rapid pace.

Sadly, healthcare professionals dispense this news frequently. All of this was new to me.

My absorption wasn’t keeping pace with their information flow. I was still stuck silently asking myself “How?”  I didn’t recall any breast pain or discharges. There were no lumps.

I’ve learned DCIS doesn’t generally cause symptoms.

Timing Matters

Coincidentally, I was becoming Medicare eligible on September 1^st. The timing was one of the many blessings on this health journey.

We likely wouldn’t be overburdened by costs while managing the cancer.

After a celebratory trip to Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada to mark my 65^th birthday, a stereotactic breast biopsy was done on September 8^th. Stereotactic breast biopsy: What happens, results, and outlook

Not to minimize the seriousness for being at CHI Lakeside Radiology, but ‘amazing’ is how I described this procedure. The technology combined with the medical staff was super impressive.  I only wish I could observe the procedure in progress and not as the patient lying prone as the biopsy is being performed.

Cancer Confirmed

Pathologists did their job.

A week later my diagnosis was confirmed.

 Next, began a rapid succession of appointments and what I call my breast cancer process or journey began.

Meet the Team

September 23^rd at 7:30AM my husband of 33 years, Ken, and I sat in a room inside the Lakeside Breast Health Center awaiting conversations with my “team.”

And, what a remarkable team it has been.

Seven members including a surgeon, oncologist, radiation oncologist, nurse practitioner, social worker, nurse navigator, and an occupational therapist each spoke to us about my diagnosis, treatment plan and schedule. They patiently and completely answered our questions and concerns.

The morning was overwhelming. Yet, I’d do it this way all over again. It saved us from traveling to multiple locations throughout Omaha meeting with these practitioners individually.

Multiple Detours

A journey is seldom a straight line and mine certainly isn’t. I combined my initial Medicare wellness exam with my pre-op physical on September 30th.

What the heck?

I failed the EKG twice!

I traveled alone to Creighton University’s Bergan Mercy October 6^th in the hard-driving rain to get fitted for post-surgical bras, a gift granted to CHI and graciously accepted by me.

If I had been approaching my diagnosis with disbelief, this experience awakened me to reality. I left with two custom fit bras, unlike any others in my wardrobe.

A few days later, October 9^th, Ken and I returned to Bergan Mercy.

We met with Dr. Issa Asfour, a cardiologist fellow and outstanding practitioner. And, after a successful exam and ECHO, he weaned me off of a heart prescription I’d been on since 1983.

I left thinking I was now surgery ready.

Wrong.

I was seen by an internist October 10th as my right toe became inflamed. Why? Just why?

No one knows.

After antibiotics and endless Epsom Salt soaks, I was infection free and cleared another hurdle for the October 17^th lumpectomy.

Managing Life & Cancer

Life continues between endless medical appointments.

Emotions bounce all over the place. I know this as I’ve journaled my experience.

There was a first-time professional family photo session, a daughter-in-law’s birthday, a son’s birthday, holidays and tons of other social and business matters to tend to.

The online forms and paperwork and scheduling seemed endless.

I’m now officially retired.

I wondered how those working full-time cope with both the diagnosis and all of the “business of the disease”.  

Seeded & Operated

A mag seed marker was placed in my right breast by a radiologist and her outstanding team on October 16^th at Lakeside’s Breast Health Center. This marker helped surgeon, Dr. McNamara, locate and remove tissue during surgery the next day.

Again, the technology and procedure were fascinating. Lumpectomy Surgery with Magseed® | Patient Resources

We arrived at Lakeside’s Outpatient Surgery Center at 5:30AM for the lumpectomy.

My journal entry at 4:12AM that day reveals I awakened at 2:30, took a shower and prepared to leave. “I have a celebratory feeling within me, which may seem unusual for someone heading to a hospital for a lumpectomy. This diagnosis and process have been long and sometimes overwhelming. Now being close to this finish line feels like something to applaud. I feel embraced by all of the prayers being put out there for me today. I know they will also touch my medical team.”

Support & Contact Matter

I initially was deliberate in holding this diagnosis to a very small circle of family and friends.

Those that knew were relentless in their support.

My gratitude for their texts, calls, flowers, food, cards, offers to drive and/or run errands, gifts and prayers is endless.

Going through cancer is both overwhelming and lonely.

Sitting in prescribed isolation is isolating. Speaking to others on the phone or via Facetime is rehabilitating.

This experience has taught me a lot about how to support others with their health challenges.

Leading with compassion and kindness for others is important. So many carry invisible burdens.

I also gained some self-respect through this process. A cancer journey is not easy. Going through it and all of the detours awakened my internal strength and persistence. I might even have more self-compassion resulting from this journey.

CHI Lakeside does offer support groups and one-on-one counseling during one’s journey.

Ken and I attended a Thanksgiving luncheon for breast cancer survivors sponsored by this department. We found it informational and a valuable use of our time.

Recovery

The best medicine for me is not in a pill bottle but rather the presence and genuine embraces of loved ones.

Our Omaha based son and his family, including grandsons aged two and four, visited the day after surgery. I was guided on an outdoor walk by toddlers, which most certainly advanced my healing. 😊

Ken assumed many household chores and responsibilities while continuing to work as a Certified Financial Planner.

I saw the weariness and devotion to “in sickness and in health.”

As with most surgeries, there were restrictions. I followed them closely.

Post Surgical

October 28^th, Ken and I met with oncologist Dr. Geetha Palaniappan at Nebraska Cancer Specialists. We had an initial discussion on hormone blocking medications, but another detour was necessary prior to beginning such treatment. My bones were uncooperative.

We saw surgeon, Dr. Michael McNamara, on Halloween.

All were pleased with my progress and healing.

Radiation Therapy

Dr. Hadi Zahra, radiation oncologist, met with us on November 10^th to discuss the radiation plan. We were relieved that only five sessions were necessary.

Take a win when one is given.

A routine dental cleaning on November 20^th indicated I had an abscessed upper left molar that needed excision.

Another healthcare detour in the 4th quarter of 2025.

Admittedly, I was frustrated with the compounding breakdowns but plunged ahead knowing any tantrum wouldn’t advance my cause.

My mantra: One step. One day at a time. It’s a process and a journey.

Ken accompanied me to all but two radiation appointments. Our son, Alex, covered for the others.

While one does not need a driver, the moral support was deeply appreciated.

On November 24^th a CT simulation was completed at Bergan Mercy. This produces a scan used to plan the angles and shapes of the radiation beams for treatment. A mold of my head was also made for positioning.  A CT scan was taken. Skin markings/tattoos were placed on my skin using a sterile needle to deliver the pin-size drop of ink. These marks act as landmarks to help with positioning during radiation sessions.

Radiation sessions are painless and, in my case, lasted about five minutes on December 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10^th. Each Wednesday we met with Dr. Zahra to get a progress report.

I celebrated “graduating” from radiation on the 10^th along with the certificate they awarded me.

This is a journey.

Another finish line crossed.

In the interim, on November 26th, I met with oral surgeon, Dr. Engel, who agreed to extract the abscessed tooth on December 16^th. This was not a pain-free procedure as radiation was, but a very necessary one.

CHI Nurse Navigator, Nicole, worked on my behalf to obtain another antibiotic to treat an infection that now appeared on my left big toe.

I have to admit that when this toe redness appeared now on the other foot, it was the first time I was both mad and frustrated during this entire journey.

Prior, I kept all of this very businesslike.

One step down on an action plan.

Next.

I felt God was giving me a ton of credit for thinking I’m capable of carrying all of these maladies at one time.

But I was momentarily mad.

Bones Complicate

Anyone who knows me knows I slant to the left. Not politically, structurally.

I’ve dealt with scoliosis since my teenage years.

I’ve had DEXA bone scans since 2002. These scans measure bone mineral density and assess the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. I’ve been skirting the osteopenia and osteoporosis line for a number of years.

On the same day I discovered I had DCIS I learned my bones crossed over to osteoporosis.

This complicates matters for oncologists because many hormone blocking medications have negative effects on bones.

Dr. Geetha, oncologist, rightfully referred me to endocrinologist Dr. Radha Andukuri at Women’s Methodist for a consultation Ken and I attended December 18^th.

Additional blood work on December 19^th confirmed high bone turnover and need for medications. The Treatment and Monitoring of Osteoporosis using Bone Turnover Markers | Published in Orthopedic Reviews

So, while my breast cancer journey is nearing the conclusion of Phase 1, my new bone journey is just beginning.

I’m grateful for the cooperation and communication between endocrinologist Dr. Andukuri and oncologist Dr. Geetha.

I know I am in trusting and professionally capable hands.

Moral of the Story

And that is one of the many morals and blessings to my journey.

Several have been aforementioned.

Others

• Choose a medical team you trust. Put your faith in them to do their jobs. Thankfully, I haven’t encountered one medical professional on my journey who has not been in the right job for their level of skill and compassion.
• Educate yourself. I’ve researched and written about breast cancer as a freelance writer. Today, I tell the story differently because I lived, and am living, it. An abundance of information, including videos on procedures, exists online. Try to avoid going down the rabbit hole. Too much information can be overwhelming, and some is often misleading.
• Consider generational learning. What are you teaching those younger than you about processing through a medical journey? My nieces were not only tremendously supportive but also were inquisitive about my cancer and the process. I openly responded to their questions.
• Become your own advocate. If something seems off or wrong, ask. My experience has shown being a partner in one’s own care is viewed as positive by those providing the care. Show up to appointments with a healthy attitude.
• Practice self-care. Sitting in front of the computer researching or lounging on the sofa is never good self-care. Take a walk. Read. Color. Garden. Nap. Cook healthy meals. Try to get a good night’s sleep (a work in progress for me). Journal. Call friends. Get a massage. Pray. You are not just a cancer patient. You are a human being.
• Understand and accept the volatility of emotions. This pertains to your own and those of your caretakers. Going through medical challenges is not an everyday matter. Expect to feel a wide range of emotions, all are okay. Seek mental health counseling. if needed.
• Pause to celebrate milestones. Surprisingly, they do exist along the journey.
• Determine what matters most. A cancer diagnosis can abruptly shift priorities. Be comfortable making changes with yours. Understand you may have time but not energy. Establish your priorities based on both time and energy.
• Learn whom you matter to. Evaluate who you’ve been devoting your time and energies to. Being sick and in need separates people quickly. True friends offer support in whatever way they can give or way you can receive. Do individuals you have previously identified as friends show up for you in your time of need?
• Get your annual screenings and have an annual wellness check. Science, technology and time have blessed us with tremendous advances in healthcare. Do yourself a favor and find a great team to care for you while doing your part to stay healthy.

What’s Next

I will enter the new year with more appointments, including mammograms.

Hormone blocking treatment will be discussed with my oncologist.

I will attend a post-surgical follow up appointment and see the endocrinologist after my jawbone heals to discuss bone medications.

While all of those are necessary and great, I’m most excited to work with a physical therapist and re-shape my workout routine. I’ve always been physically active. Now I will learn a new way to maintain fitness with both cancer and weakening bones.

Livestrong at the YMCA – Livestrong

In the meantime, I will continue doing what matters most to me.

Spending quality time with individuals whom I love and participating in events and excursions that fill me with great joy and satisfy my endless curiosity.

Wishing you good health and self-care in the days ahead.

2026 Update

A July diagnostic mammogram found no cancer. I am deeply grateful for that.

I continue to take hormone blocking medication in an effort to remain cancer free.

Time to celebrate a challenging year and favorable outcome.

Do you have a cancer journey tidbit or story to share? Please do.

No part of this piece was AI generated.

©December 2025 Updated July 2026 Linda Leier Thomason. All Rights Reserved.