The energy of screening: From routine mammogram to life-saving analysis | MUSC

As a retired nurse, Laura Dobbins knew the significance of standard breast most cancers screening. But life stored her busy. Between caring for her mom, recovering from spinal surgical procedure and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, getting a mammogram slipped down her precedence listing.

Finally, she was in restoration from surgical procedure and looking out ahead to a enjoyable summer time. She kicked it off by getting the mammogram she had been laying aside. Despite a household historical past of most cancers, Dobbins was not fearful; this was a routine verify, one thing she had been doing for years.

But it turned out to be something however routine when the display revealed a regarding sight: two tumors in her proper breast.

“When radiology told me it looked like cancer, it was surreal. I just had spinal surgery and was finally feeling good – then to be hit by this. My head was spinning.”

“I dodged a bullet catching it when I did. Had I waited another few months to get screened, we’d be having a very different conversation.”

Laura Dobbins
breast most cancers survivor

Fortunately, she caught the most cancers early. Even although one of many tumors was described as aggressive, she was nonetheless in Stage 1 – however barely.

Doctors advised her that had she waited even a couple of extra months to get screened, she is perhaps in Stage 2, worsening her prognosis. There had been additionally indicators the most cancers had invaded her lymphatic vessels, which indicated it was spreading – one other growth that might complicate remedy and restoration.

“The good news was it wasn’t yet in my lymph nodes … But it was close. I dodged a bullet catching it when I did. Had I waited another few months to get screened, we’d be having a very different conversation.”

Catching the most cancers

Within two weeks, Dobbins was in surgical procedure at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. A lumpectomy eliminated the tumors, adopted by a second surgical procedure to ensure most cancers cells on the sides had been gone. Next got here a course of high-dose radiation remedy.

She is now doing hormone remedy to cut back the possibilities of the most cancers returning. To keep wholesome, she can also be committing to a Mediterranean food plan, common train and stress administration.

Dobbins described the surgical procedures and radiation as powerful however manageable, although they weren’t with out issues. Not solely did she need to endure the ache of two surgical procedures and an allergic response to the surgical glue, however she additionally skilled burns, soreness and swelling from the radiation. And she needed to undergo all that whereas coming again every day to a home below building.

But Dobbins was lucky to have a robust community behind her. Support poured in from her daughter in addition to from her sister, cousin, companion and closest pals.

“My daughter has been my godsend. She said, ‘Mom, you’re not doing this alone.’ She stayed with me all summer and continued to drive me to every radiation appointment.”

She additionally credit her Hollings workforce, Andrea Abbott, M.D., Jennifer Harper, M.D., and Abi Siva, M.D., for alleviating the method via their kindness, responsiveness and honesty. Given the intimate nature of breast most cancers remedy, she felt extra snug with an all-female care workforce who understood what she was going via and revered her want for transparency.

“I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier team,” Dobbins mentioned. “They listened when I said I didn’t want sugarcoating and needed the facts of what’s going on. And they gave me that.”

Genetic testing introduced peace of thoughts

Dobbin’s most cancers journey prompted her to pursue genetic testing – one thing she had thought-about earlier than however had not absolutely understood the significance of till now. She realized that the outcomes might present solutions not only for herself however for her whole household.

“I wanted my daughter, my future granddaughters and my whole family to know where we stood and be able to make the most informed decisions possible about their health.”

“I wanted my daughter, my future granddaughters and my whole family to know where we stood and be able to make the most informed decisions possible about their health.”

Laura Dobbins
breast most cancers survivor

Fortunately, the check outcomes got here again detrimental for the BRCA genetic mutation and different cancer-related gene mutations. That was an enormous weight lifted from her shoulders. While it didn’t change her personal remedy, it introduced peace of thoughts in two necessary methods: It meant her most cancers was much less more likely to return due to an inherited genetic threat, and her family members weren’t dealing with an elevated threat tied to these mutations.

Altogether, these experiences have strengthened for Dobbins the significance of standard screening and genetic counseling.

“I had no symptoms. You couldn’t even feel anything. But this threat was lurking. I might not be here if I hadn’t been seen when I was. It speaks to why regular screening is so critical.”

Her different recommendation to sufferers dealing with a most cancers analysis: Pick a workforce you belief and that makes you are feeling heard.

“Breast cancer is scary, but it doesn’t have to be terrifying. We can’t control everything, but we can live healthy lives, pay attention to prevention and take care of each other.”