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SAY YES TO Digital Mamography
Teresa Henry
Independent Bank, AVP Branch Manager
EARLY DETECTION IS THE KEY. When I discovered a lump in my breast in 1997 my heart skipped a beat. Immediately I scheduled an appointment with my family physician who sent me for a mammogram, followed by an ultrasound, and finally aspiration. The surgeon recommended a lumpectomy; although at my age he didn’t think it was breast cancer. When results came in, I had indeed been diagnosed with breast cancer…at the age of 33.
Upon diagnosis, my thoughts immediately went to my children. How would I tell my son Eric, who was 14 and my daughter Amy who was only 15? Upon hearing the news, my children were every bit as afraid, if not more, of what would happen next. This was so hard as a parent, I was supposed to be there for them. Lots of prayers and hugs later my family and I knew God would take care of us, and HE knew our needs.
During treatment and recovery I had a great support system. My sister lived nearby and my mother came and stayed with me for three months during my recovery. Throughout surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, doctors and healthcare workers repeated how fortunate I was to have discovered the mass early, and that I could look forward to a full recovery.
In November of 2000, I found another lump. Again it was cancer and required more surgery. This second round of breast cancer was also overcome through excellent doctors, the Lord, my family and friends. It has been nine years and I thank God to have had a full recovery with no signs of further cancer.
What do I do now? I go for my regular check-ups ~ I have my annual mammogram ~ I remind my daughter, mother and sisters to do the same. I’m very excited to be a part of the Cowgirls Wear Pink campaign and to bring digital mammography to West Branch. This new state-of-the-art technology will benefit many women and also promote early detection. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, I pray that you have an opportunity like I did for early detection and also a full recovery.
