“In all, I had 9 procedures with a 10‑year recovery from the surgery.”
— Janet Gola
In this heartfelt interview, long-time DCIS patient advocate Donna Pinto speaks with Janet Gola, who speaks candidly about her nearly 26-year journey with DCIS—from her initial 1999 diagnosis through a second struggle in 2012, nine procedures, and a mastectomy that left her with PTSD. Janet shares critical wisdom for newly diagnosed patients, emphasizing the importance of slowing down, asking questions, and understanding your pathology report.
Janet’s story begins with a low-to-intermediate grade DCIS diagnosis in 1999—and a second diagnosis in 2012. She endured mounting pressure from doctors to treat her DCIS as aggressively as invasive cancer. She describes how that push felt like bullying and led to feelings of fear, PTSD and lack of support.
Ultimately, due to provider pressure and fear of progression, Janet chose a mastectomy—but her final pathology came back clear. “No cancer and no residual DCIS,” she recalls. The relief was bittersweet: she had undergone six months worried that “things were much worse than they actually were” and spent a decade recovering from procedures.
Key Insights for Newly Diagnosed Patients:
- Slow down & ask questions – Janet urges fellow patients to take time, dig into the details, and “understand your pathology report.” Clinical jargon can mask low-risk findings—clarifying those details can shift your treatment path.
- Don’t panic & read up – Educating yourself helps build confidence. Janet now volunteers in online DCIS support groups, using her experience to guide others.
- You’re not alone – Janet’s journey is a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all path through DCIS—and hearing from others who have been there can make a world of difference.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or caring for DCIS patients, this conversation is a beacon of resilience, information, and empowerment.
Watch the full video above and consider sharing it with others who might benefit.