5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  After a suspicious breast screening, a pathologist examines biopsy tissue to confirm cancer, determine its type and grade, and assess markers that guide treatment.

• 2

  The author says her Grade 2 invasive carcinoma diagnosis came from a pathology report that shaped the course of her care.

• 3

  Viewing her tissue slides with her pathologist helped the author understand her cancer and become a more informed partner in her care.

• 4

  The author advocates for patients through local, state, and national organizations, including work to improve pathology communication and clinical trial awareness.

• 5

  The author recognizes laboratory professionals for providing timely, accurate blood test results that informed whether her chemotherapy could proceed.