Patient Stories: Breast Cancer

Memorial Hermann The Woodlands

Linda: Living to Tell the Tale
Small blessings helped me fight breast cancer.
   

I am a living example of how an annual mammogram can save your life. I am blessed, because my cancer was found when it was very small, just the size of a pea.

I never felt the lump – it was only discovered because of the mammogram. I was very afraid that I would lose a breast, but I was fortunate.

During my yearly exam, a small, suspicious area of calcification was detected in one of my breasts and the physician decided to keep an eye on it to determine if any further testing was necessary.

After a year of waiting to see if anything more serious would develop, I got a second opinion from my doctors at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands. I had taken my father there after he had a choking incident and was impressed with their great facilities and the friendly people.
   

I had a new mammogram and a biopsy in one of their mobile mammogram units. The test results came back 10 days later: positive for cancer.

Within weeks, I had a lumpectomy as same-day surgery, then radiation treatments for two months as a precautionary measure. I felt like I was their only patient while I was at Memorial Hermann. Everyone was professional and empathetic, and they explained things to me as many times as I needed.

I still have annual mammograms and I know that if the cancer returns it will be detected early.

Meanwhile, my life is very full. I work as a realtor and I enjoy hiking, biking, traveling and water sports with my husband, Cary.