Breast Cancer Care Close To Home: Patty's Story

Since age 25, Patty has been doing annual mammograms as she has a history of breast cancer in her family. Still, her annual screening in 2020 resulted in some news that required her to put hobbies to the side and focus on her health.

'I Got The Phone Call From My Family Doctor Where They Said I Have Cancer.'

"I got a call back on one of my screenings in the summer of 2020, and they told me that they need to have me come back for another view," the 61-year-old Michigan City resident said. "So I went back in and then, at that time, they did an ultrasound biopsy at that same time. It was like one-stop shopping. I got to do it all at once instead of worrying and waiting for multiple appointments.

"Just shortly after my birthday, my sisters and I were together, and I got the phone call from my family doctor where they said I have cancer. Even though it was unnerving, I had the support of my sisters there with me."

Following the breast cancer diagnosis, Patty scheduled an appointment for a lumpectomy and later had a sentinel node removed. After scheduling an appointment for a port infusion, Patty scheduled and prepared for chemotherapy. She was told to expect to go through 20 rounds of radiation.

"The type of cancer I had was fast-growing, and they said that if I hadn't gotten the mammogram when I did, I would have started to feel the cancer within six months," said Patty, who conducted monthly self-exams and could not feel the cancer beforehand.

"My job said that I should go ahead and get a second opinion, but the other hospital suggested the same treatment that I would be getting here at Woodland Cancer Care Center," Patty said. "So I decided to stay in Michigan City with Franciscan and get all my stuff done here because I have chemotherapy, doctor visits, and radiation in the same building.

"Plus, I was basically eight minutes away from work. I would leave work and come to my infusions and radiation and then return to work. I was basically 10 minutes from home, too, so it was very convenient."

Compassionate Care Throughout The Breast Cancer Treatment

Patty was grateful for the quality of care and attention to detail she experienced at Franciscan Health Michigan City.

"I can't say enough about the care I received here," Patty said. "Everybody is so compassionate. Other hospitals are good, too, but they felt a bit cold and indifferent. Yet it felt like a family here at Franciscan. And I can't say enough about that."

As an example, Patty explained that her dog passed away in 2019. And with respect to her dog, she would always say, "send me butterflies."

"When the pharmacy tech put the bag together for the infusion, she would put stickers on them just to brighten your day, and it works," Patty said. "My very first infusion had a butterfly on it and I cried. It just touched me so much. Everybody asked me what was wrong and I told them that was a good cry. This is comforting to me."

After Patty explained what butterflies were to her and her dog, the staff took the sticker, put it on a piece of cardboard and added it to a frame for her.

"Also, Dr. Mangar is awesome and I can highly recommend her," Patty said. She takes time to listen to you and see how you feel about any issues you might have, procedures, concerns, or anything else. My radiation oncologist, Dr. Miller and my nurse navigator are the same way. They treat you like they would their loved ones, and it's just amazing."

Patty is around two years cancer-free. The prognosis for the cancer returning in the first two years is the most prevalent with her previous diagnosis. Due to this, she is scheduled for mammograms for six additional months. After two years, her port can be removed as her chances of recurrence reduce over the next few years.

Patty's Advice To Women Putting Off Their Mammograms

Many people have put off their mammogram appointments since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Patty shared a reminder for those who have been putting off these crucial screenings for breast cancer.

"Cancer runs in my family on both my maternal and parental side," Patty said. "My mother passed from brain cancer, so screenings are important to me. I've done mammograms since age 25 because I had a family history of cancer and was scared. I didn't want to deal with that, but I needed to know. So early detection through a screening is why I'm here today."

Patty explained that if she decided to wait on a mammogram with her fast-growing cancer, it could have metastasized anywhere with a higher severity.

"So if you're afraid to get a mammogram, don't be afraid," Patty said. "It's uncomfortable, but my goodness, it will keep it from spreading and save your life. I've spoken to several women about mammograms after I got diagnosed and they told me we're avoiding it because they're afraid of the results. I'll always remind them that it's okay to be afraid, but you'll also have people that will get you through it and your diagnosis is going to be clear or much less severe."

Patty talked about her faith and support system that held her confidence as she went through her treatment.

"My church was very supportive through my diagnosis and treatment," Patty said. "I have good faith in God, how he gives me hope and my successful care with him by my side. The love of my friends and family has been great, especially my sister, who brought me to my chemo sessions when it was kind of dicey whether I could drive back home or not. That gets you through. Faith, love, and hope."

"I sincerely want to thank Franciscan, the doctors who did my treatment, the doctors who, Dr. Vanguard, Dr. Miller, the infusion nurses and everybody here," Patty said. "They are some of the most compassionate people I've ever met."