“…IT’S TIME TO SHARE THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY SCREENING FOR BREAST CANCER — FROM A PERSONAL VIEW.” –Debbie Miller
Hi, I’m Debbie Miller, Public Health Director for the Lawrence County Health Department and I am a breast cancer survivor.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and after much reflection I have decided it is time to share my personal story about the importance of early detection. I’m also going to share the timeline from screening through treatment so that anyone facing a cancer journey of their own may better understand what to expect.
Before I share my story, I want to encourage you to schedule your mammogram. Do it today! It may save your life!!
Last January, I went for my annual screening mammogram (1/17). This is something I do each year. I have never missed a mammogram. This time was different as I was called to come back for enhanced imaging tests in two weeks (1/30). After the tests were performed, the radiologist came in to speak with me. He said I had some new calcifications – he had reviewed 10 years of mammograms – and he wanted to schedule a biopsy. My mind was racing – do I have breast cancer? The biopsy was scheduled for three weeks later (2/20). It was not nearly as bad as I anticipated. Now, the waiting began. I waited a long 18 days for the biopsy results.
The results showed up on My Chart on Saturday evening, March 8. Breast cancer. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma. Again, my mind was racing! Will I need a mastectomy? Will I need chemotherapy or radiation? Will I survive? How will I tell my children, my mother? Ok, take a deep breath. Thank goodness my husband was sitting right beside me when I read those results. My physician had not called me, and it was Saturday, so the office was closed. I would have to wait until Monday morning to speak with my physician. I spent many hours “googling” invasive lobular carcinoma and all the other words that were in my biopsy report that weekend. By Monday morning (3/10), I had a list of questions for my physician.
The following Wednesday (3/12), I met with my breast surgeon, Dr. Katie Hughes, and my medical oncologist, Dr. Stephen Anderson, at KDMC. I cannot speak highly enough of these physicians. They were honest. They spent a lot of time with me allowing me to ask questions and providing information I hadn’t even thought to ask. Dr. Hughes even asked me how I was doing emotionally. That was comforting.
Although I didn’t have a family history of breast cancer, I chose to have genetic testing because I do have a daughter and two granddaughters, so I wanted that information for them. The genetic testing came back negative.
The next step was to do an MRI to determine the extent of the cancer and if the other breast or lymph nodes were affected (3/24). While I waited for that appointment, I decided to reach out to my primary care provider, Jennifer Johnson, NP at Riverview Clinic. I just needed to talk it all through with someone I trusted, and Jennifer’s guidance was extremely helpful. I met with the surgeon again on March 27 to get the MRI results. Fortunately, the cancer was only seen in my left breast with no lymph node involvement. The tumor was very small. So small they couldn’t perform many of the tests they would normally perform on a biopsy specimen. After much research, I chose to have a lumpectomy which would be followed by three weeks of radiation treatment. Surgery was scheduled for April 15.
Once surgery was scheduled, I told my family, some friends, and coworkers of my diagnosis. I had chosen to wait because I wanted all the plans in place before I told them so there wouldn’t be questions that I couldn’t answer. In hindsight, that was a poor choice because while I had my husband to talk to, he had no one to talk to and that created a lot of stress for him. I told very few people because honestly, it was exhausting. My daughter commented, “You sound so clinical. Aren’t you scared?” Yes! Terrified!!! But I didn’t want anyone to see that. This too was a poor choice. You need the support of your family and friends more than ever when you receive a cancer diagnosis.
Before surgery, my husband and I took a planned vacation with friends to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary which was on April 1.
Surgery was performed on April 15, and it went well with no complications. At my surgical follow-up appointment (4/24), I was scheduled to meet with Dr. Jeff Lopez to plan the radiation treatment (5/6). I already knew Dr. Lopez but not as my physician and he proved to be another wonderful, caring physician who helped me navigate this new world. I began radiation on May 28 and completed it on June 17.
Again, it was not as bad as I anticipated. I had also met with Dr. Anderson again on May 15 and he put me on an aromatase inhibitor medication which would block the production of estrogen in my body to help prevent the growth of any breast cancer cells that may have remained. I will take that medication for at least the next five years and possibly ten years. While not as intense as the other treatments, the medication does cause side effects, mostly joint pain for me which is manageable.
As you can see this wasn’t a short process and mine was very likely shorter than most.
From initial mammogram to surgery was more than three months! And all you think about is – please get this cancer out of me!!
I was very fortunate. My cancer was caught extremely early when it is most treatable. I told Dr. McNaul, the radiologist that read my initial mammogram and performed the biopsy, that he was my guardian angel for insisting on that biopsy. I just had my six-month mammogram this week and there was no evidence of cancer. I will alternate between mammograms and MRIs every six months.
The challenge now is mostly emotional and that is hard to explain. During active treatment I was focused on checking each thing off the list and not fully dealing with my feelings. Now I have time to process all the emotions that I felt throughout breast cancer treatment. Still, it’s tough and I’m not even sure I truly understand it, but I am grateful for those who allow me to talk about it – especially my husband. I am not the same person I was when I rang in the new year on January 1, 2025. Life has forever changed, but cancer has given me a deep appreciation for life. I am focused on stronger, more meaningful relationships with my family and friends, making time for them, and enjoying every single day.
My message to you – get screened. Get your mammogram! Do it today! 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. We all know someone – or will know someone – who is going to have to fight this disease. Sure, a mammogram may be a little uncomfortable, but we can do hard things. TRMC offers extended hours and weekend appointments. If you are uninsured or underinsured, there are programs available so you can get your mammogram at no cost. If you have dense breasts, like me, talk to your doctor about additional screening such as ultrasound and MRI.
Early detection saves lives. I am living proof of that.
