As A Radiologic Tech, She Was Familiar With Cancer Screening — But Never Thought It Would Happen To Her

Rays of Resilience: 31 Stories in 31 Days. So many people around the world have been affected by breast cancer, yet no two breast cancer journeys are the same. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re celebrating a new survivor every day. Their resilience is an inspiration to us all.

My name is Peggy.

I was employed as a radiologic technologist at a site that also did mammography. In fact, my boss did my mammograms, and, when I was 47, kept reminding me that I was past due for my yearly exam.

I finally had my mammogram done, and was surprised when my report came off the printer recommending additional views and a consult. There was no breast cancer history in my family, and I wasn’t feeling any lumps or bumps, so I was a little surprised — and nervous.

I was referred to a phenomenal breast surgeon — the kindest, most compassionate doctor I’ve ever met. I had a cluster of microcalcifications that they wanted to get a better look at, so we decided on needle localization and surgical excisional biopsy, with the assurance that 80% of these issues were benign.

A few days later I got that phone call that we all dread; I was one of the 20% that was malignant! On my return visit to my breast surgeon, her first action was to put her hand on my shoulder, and reassure me that this was not going to end my life. I was in the best situation imaginable: DCIS, Stage 0.

I had already had the area in question removed with good margins, and chose to proceed with radiation therapy, and five years of Tamoxifen. Chemo was not involved in my case, as my cancer had remained inside the duct. I had some very minor issues during radiation, but I am now over 14 years cancer free!

I became a huge advocate for early detection, as that’s what had saved me. Even though I was six months late getting my mammogram, that might have been the time when these microcalcifications became more visible.

I was a part of many cancer walks over the years, and my three children all got involved in cancer events on their college campuses. My oldest daughter put together a “Ladies Night” as an honors project at her college, and invited a female doctor, an inflammatory breast cancer survivor, and myself to speak to these young ladies about the importance of breast health, and being aware of your own body. My younger daughter joined the sorority at her college that performs their philanthropic work for breast cancer. For my 50th birthday, we partnered up and got pink ribbon tattoos.

Since I worked at the facility where my mammogram was performed, I was able to call the radiologist who had read my mammogram, and thank her for saving my life. Early detection is truly the best protection!

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