Enid Highlights the Importance of Annual Mammograms, Even When You're Healthy
It started with a terrible stomach ache on Sunday afternoon that lasted for 12 hours before a friend took me to the Swedish Hospital emergency room at 1 a.m. Monday morning. After two trips to the ER in five days, I was diagnosed with a kidney stone by urologist Dr. Daniel Merrick. My relatively uneventful medical history was about to take a sharp turn.
I came to a follow-up appointment with my OB/GYN since the scan of my kidneys revealed thickening of my uterine endometrial tissue. On the way to their office, the elevator door opened on the 4th floor and revealed a lovely, feminine frosted glass door. It was the Jack and Mayora Rosenberg Women’s Health Center. After my appointment, I came back to the 4th floor to check out the Women’s Health Center.
Every year during my annual exams, my primary care physician, Dr. Jonathan Younan, recommended that I have a mammogram. Every year I would say, “See you next year,” because I take lots of supplements, exercise regularly and am very careful about what I eat. Before I knew it, a year would pass and it was time for the next annual exam.
This year was different. I had several appointments at Swedish Hospital and after finding the Jack and Mayora Rosenberg Women's Health Center, I thought I should ask them about getting a mammogram. I found out from an information flyer on the brochure stand next to the receptionist’s desk that they perform 3-D mammograms. They contacted Dr. Younan and scheduled the appointment on the spot.
On the day of the appointment, I met Linda Rowan, RN, the breast health navigator. She walked me through the procedure. They performed the mammogram and I returned to the waiting room. After several minutes, Linda introduced me to Dr. Bruce Silver, the radiologist, and he told me that he would need to perform a biopsy.
Shortly after the biopsy, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was like a deer in headlights. Linda explained to me the procedures that would follow and she even set up the initial appointments with the surgeon, Dr. Cecylia Mizera, and the oncologist, Dr. Elyse Lambiase. Each physician I met with was very polite and considerate. They explained the procedures as well as what to expect in the near future.
Having lost my last sibling and best friend (whom I had cared for over the last 20 years) less than a year before this diagnosis, I am very grateful for the care I have received through this medical whirlwind. Dr. Younan and each of the specialist I’ve seen have been very considerate with explanations and responding to questions.
My story isn’t over yet. I am hopeful and encouraged by the professional and considerate medical personnel I have interfaced with so far, the future medical procedures and my faith community who stand with me in prayer and personal outreach, all of which together will provide me with a healthy future.
To schedule a mammogram, request an appointment or call 773-878-6888.
Published October 1, 2018
