Local woman saved by a mammogram
Walk In Wednesday will provide access to the test
Trending
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, and Dr. Laura Miegge of UnityPoint Clinic Surgery -- Fort Dodge, recommends an annual mammogram for women over the age of 40, who are at average risk of developing breast cancer.
"While monthly self-breast exams are important, mammograms can detect tumors before they can be felt," Miegge said.
Judy Haines, 68, was diagnosed with breast cancer during her annual mammogram. Test results from UnityPoint Clinic Norma Schmoker Imaging Center showed two different types of breast tumors in separate locations within the same breast, and the aggressive tumor had spread to a lymph node.
"When you hear the diagnosis, your life is wrapped up in what they are saying and you're not thinking about the next steps," said Haines. "My family was a great support system and helped with everything. They were by my side through it all, and my grandkids would come over and just sit with me."
Haines had weekly chemotherapy treatments followed by additional rounds of a stronger chemotherapy regimen. An MRI after chemotherapy showed Judy's non-aggressive tumor had shrunk in size, the aggressive tumor was completely gone, and the lymph node looked normal.
"It's fantastic when you see a response like Judy's," Miegge said. "When we received the final pathology report, it was another fantastic day because the area where the aggressive tumor was located was gone."
While Haines' journey continues with immunotherapy and radiation therapy, she returned to work at Trinity Regional Medical Center following surgery. Haines is grateful for the compassionate care and support from her family, team members and health care team.
"I had good support throughout the hospital, and I'm glad I came here for treatments," she said. "Don't turn people away, because you need the support."
The Norma Schmoker Imaging Center will have Walk-In Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Patients can simply walk into the clinic, with no order necessary.
If you choose to schedule your mammogram in advance, call the Norma Schmoker Imaging Center at (515) 574-6870.