Sage Stories: Mary Crow

Mary is a breast cancer survivor from Nobles County. 

After years of regular mammograms, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer that was diagnosed before it spread. She wants others to know the importance of getting screened and that catching it early may save your life.

I have gotten mammograms since the age of early 40’s. I have always had to have my mammogram redone as I have very dense tissue in my breasts. In December of 2019 I had my normal mammogram, and they found a questionable spot. They then followed that up with ultrasound and a biopsy in the right breast.

When the biopsy came back in late December it was CANCER. In January 2020 right after the holidays I had a consult with the breast cancer clinic and reconstruction team. I was scheduled for lumpectomy on the right with reconstruction on the left to match. The doctor called a couple weeks later and told me that they found cancer in the left side as well.

Off to the breast cancer clinic to talk to my doctor. My doctor told me that I had very good margins on the left, but the right side was not coming back with good margins. She then gave me the option for surgery again to take more tissue out but may need to reduce on the left to match or I could opt for radiation. I opted for radiation. I had 16 regular rounds of radiation and six extra power radiation. And boy does it cook you from the inside out. I was so burnt all on the right side of my chest and arm pit.

I did not have any symptoms with my cancer. I had mammograms yearly and never missed one. I luckily did not face any issues with not being able to get them done. All of the hospital/clinic staff throughout my years of having mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsy and then surgery have been so very helpful to me.

My biggest fear through this all is the possibility of it coming back years down the road. I really hoped and prayed that I did not have to do chemo but was prepared if I did have to. I had lots of support from family and friends. Without them I would be lost.

I feel great now, I had to have a mammogram every six months for three years. Now I have yearly mammogram. For anyone that has a cancer diagnosis is to keep your head up. Lean on family and friends. I did join an online social media support group and that was very helpful. Talking to other survivors.

If you have never had a screening mammogram now is the time.

You cannot keep saying “it will not affect me.” I did not have a family history of breast cancer and it was me. It is easy to schedule and easy to get done. Do it for yourself and for your family. Early detection is the key.