4 minute read
Survivor Stories
Diane Anderson Diane Anderson
By Liesel Schmidt
After a self-exam revealed a lump, Diane Anderson heard a diagnosis that seemed to come out of left field, having no history of breast cancer in her family. Facing triple positive breast cancer—which meant she was dealing with HER2-positive, ER-positive and PR-positive breast cancer—she underwent chemotherapy followed by a lumpectomy, radiation and Infusions over the next year. Then, in February of 2021, she rang the bell celebrating her last treatment.
To others facing the journey she has, Anderson says, “Ask lots of questions, take lots of notes and educate yourself! Listen to your body—it will tell you what it needs. If you’re tired, don’t fight it—rest! When friends ask how they can help, let them know what they can do and graciously let them. When people want to pray for you, let them know prayers are always welcome. I had friends that would go to my chemo treatments with me and sit there for hours, co-workers and friends who brought us numerous dinners so we would have one less thing to worry about. Every phone call, card, email and text were greatly appreciated.”
Anderson is active with the Pink Pearls Breast Cancer Support Group with Infirmary Cancer Care. “Having the support of this community of women has been a huge help during my treatments,” says Anderson, the COO and Strategic Relationship Consultant at Avizo Group, Inc. Her husband’s love and support were also incredibly crucial. “He was my strength during all of this,” she says. Battling cancer is a team effort, and I will be forever grateful to my cancer care ‘team.’”
By Liesel Schmidt
Former personal chef, Pam Hunter, loves cooking and, of course, people—and that love she has for people has been instrumental in her work as the first Gulf Coast executive director for Baller Dream Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is “To lift the spirits of brave young cancer warriors, ages birth to 29.” As a cancer survivor herself, she understands the toll that it takes on the body, soul and a mind - so the connection she has is intensely personal.
Hunter’s own diagnosis came in January of 2020, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which was detected during her annual mammogram and the ultrasound that followed. DCIS is the presence of abnormal cells inside a milk duct in the breast and is considered the earliest form of breast cancer, with a low risk of becoming invasive. Fortunately, it is usually found during a mammogram and doesn’t typically present with any signs or symptoms.
Over two years into recovery after treatment and surgery, Hunter is on the other side of things, and is thankful for all of the support she received as she went through it. “My family and friends have been supportive in so many ways,” she says. “I also discovered during my journey, a special tribe of breast cancer survivors, who have helped me through the process.” In addition to her work at Baller Dream Foundation, she serves on the “Tee Off For A Cure” planning committee, which raises money to fund pediatric cancer research at Children’s of Alabama.
Photo credit: Stephen Savage
Pam Hunter Pam Hunter
The Breast Center at Thomas Hospital
The Breast Center at Thomas Hospital offers ultrasound diagnostic imaging Meet Caroline in addition to the 2-D and 3-D screening capabilities also available. While McGugin, MD, MPHscreening mammograms are recommended at regular intervals for most women in certain age groups, a diagnostic mammogram is performed when there Infirmary Surgical Specialists is a sign or symptom of disease. Dr. Caroline McGugin is a fellowship-trained “We offer 3-D mammography which allows doctors to examine breast tissue layer breast surgeon who specializes in breast surgery by layer. For diagnostics, ultrasound which is estimated to improve detection by and treats all breast conditions, including breast as much as 55 percent over mammography alone.” Kathy Linam, manager of the cancer, those at high-risk for breast cancer, and Breast Center said. “To complement our screening services and for those who have benign breast disease. She is board certifieddense breasts, we now have Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), a whole breast by the American Board of Surgery and works ultrasound unit for early detection of abnormalities.” alongside medical oncologists, radiation The Breast Center performs at least 2,000 procedures each month. oncologists, plastic surgeons and Infirmary’s Of those, approximately 40 are typically biopsies, following screening High Risk Breast Clinic on both sides of the Bay. and diagnostic mammograms. Accredited by the American College of Radiology, the center is ranked as a Breast Center of Excellence. Additionally, Thomas Hospital has been named as one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation by Women’s Choice for patient experience and has received numerous other awards. “At the Breast Center, we have a breast radiologist on site. Not all facilities do,” Linam said. “We give feedback to our diagnostic patients while they are still at still at the Breast Center, which helps reduce stress and worry. Any way that we can try to keep our patients at ease helps.” Today, the chance of a woman developing invasive breast cancer in her lifetime is a little less than one in eight, but for some women, the risk of developing the disease is much higher. The High Risk Breast Clinic identified women at a higher risk level and provides individualized preventative care to reduce that risk. For more information, visit infirmaryhealth.org.
Am I at High Risk?
Women consider at high risk have or have had:
History of breast or ovarian cancer Known family history of cancer Multiple breast biopsies Hormone therapy Fibroadenoma Hyperplasia of the breast
