Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Meghan's Patient Story

What happened, in summary

Meghan McLyman learned she had ductal carcinoma in situ after her first annual mammogram, shortly after turning 41. A lifelong professional dancer and mother, she was surprised by the diagnosis because health and wellbeing had always been central to her life and she did not recall a family history of cancer. As she prepared for a mastectomy, Meghan connected with a trained volunteer through Dana-Farber’s One-to-One Program. The conversations gave her practical ideas about recovery and a place to discuss how to talk with her 5-year-old daughter and manage the emotional swings that came with treatment. Hearing from someone who had already been through a similar experience helped her feel less alone. By the time of the story, Meghan was doing well and had returned to her normal life as a dance program coordinator and teacher. She was also co-writing a book with other dance educators about their cancer experiences. In survivorship, she became a One-to-One volunteer herself, using what she had learned to support other patients while continuing yoga, movement, and other practices that helped her process her own experience.