October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; Local survivor urges: Prevention! Prevention! Prevention!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mammograms are a common test for breast cancer. A regular, annual mammogram is encouraged for all women over the age of 40 to help detect the cancer early for the best outcome.

Kathy Hager of Waukon became a Mammographer in 2016 and in 2024, is now a breast cancer survivor. She believes that preventative screenings, in all areas of health, is the key to longevity.

“This was only my second mammogram since turning 40 years old. When I received the results on my ‘My Chart’ report, I was shocked. I knew the facts that approximately 80% of breast cancer patients have no family history, like me, but you never think it will happen to you” explains Kathy.  

Kathy quickly had additional images taken and a biopsy as well as an MRI because she had been diagnosed with two different areas of breast cancer in her right breast. The results showed two clusters of calcifications (DCIS or ductal carcinoma in situ) instead of just one lump, she elected to remove the entire breast.   

“As a mammographer, I have witnessed many scenarios and treatment paths from many patients. I recall breast cancer patients coming through who had also intended to remove only one breast, but after taking time to process my diagnoses and how I visioned my future, I started to think a bit clearer and decided to remove both breasts to reduce the possibility of cancer returning in the left breast.” adds Kathy.  “My family, friends and physicians supported that decision fully. In fact, they wanted me to do that from the start, but as the patient receiving a cancer diagnosis, the feeling of overwhelm clouded my thinking. Taking time to process and having conversations with people that supported me helped me feel that I had made the best decision.”

“I have taken care of a lot of patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and I’ve talked them through it, reassuring them they will quickly get to the next step and not fall through the cracks. The waiting can be difficult and stressful. For me, everything truly moved so smooth and in sync for me.  My screening mammogram was in October, biopsies in November and my double mastectomy in December of 2023. All completed in just 2 ½ months, I don’t feel it could have gone any smoother.”  

“Reconstruction started right away. My tissue expanders were placed after the oncology team confirmed all breast tissue had been removed in December. My lymph nodes all tested negative so I was fortunate that no chemotherapy was needed and since I opted for a mastectomy no radiation was necessary. I healed really, really well with no complications and had my final reconstruction surgery in August 2024, just 10 months after my diagnosis. With Mayo Clinic’s Cancer Survivorship program, I am closely monitored for the next five years, then at the end of that I will have an MRI of both breasts. For follow ups, I will continue to have an MRI every three to five years.”   

Kathy kept a very positive attitude throughout this entire process, but a few months after her mastectomy felt ‘off’. She felt her body and mind were a bit disconnected from each other.

“A good friend helped explain to me that my body had physically went through trauma and needed time to heal. While my positive attitude kept my mind moving optimistically forward, my body reminded me that more nurturing was necessary during this time of healing. I would advise everyone, not only those that have gone through some form of trauma, to slow down and listen to your body, keeping spirit, mind and body in sync.  It’s so easy these days for the mind to race a million miles an hour in a million different directions, but we need to slow down.  Life goes too fast. It truly is the journey, not the destination.”

Kathy also advises everyone to ‘use all the tools in their toolbox’ when it comes to preventative testing.  Since 2010, Kathy has had an annual skin check with a dermatologist.  At her check in 2014, a suspicious spot was found on her back that was diagnosed as malignant melanoma which she feels was probably caused by tanning in tanning beds she used when she was younger.    

“Thanks to having my annual skin screenings, that cancer was caught early and successfully removed without any treatments.  I am faithful on wearing sunblock now.  I wish I would have comprehended that importance as a teenager, but I can’t go back. We learn from our mistakes and that makes our future brighter!”

“I deeply feel that all screenings are the key to longevity…. skin screenings, mammograms, colonoscopies, annual physicals, labs, etc. I have seen too many patients go too long without these screenings who have a much more difficult road with their treatments.  I am a huge advocate of annual labs as well. Blood tests can help your doctor identify a variety of health conditions before the condition shows up physically. Genetics can have a huge role in many health issues and without these tests, you may not find out as early as you would have hoped for.”

“Prevention truly is the key! We are so blessed to have all of these ‘tools in our tool box! We need to remember to use them!” concludes Kathy. “Breast cancer is a journey with a thousand paths.  I feel amazing and am very thankful every day for the support of this community and our accessible health care!”