Boonville Woman Survived Breast Cancer Twice and Now She’s Living Life on Her Own Terms
She Found Her Breast Cancer Herself. Now She's Urging Women to Get Their Mammograms
There are some dates you never forget. For my friend Michelle, December 13, 2002, is one of them.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for me, that means making sure you get your annual breast exam. Personally, I have to get biannual mammograms and ultrasounds because I'm in the "high risk" category, but for so many other women out there who aren't making it a priority, Michelle's story can be a bit of a wake-up call.
Michelle Phillips had recently returned from Thanksgiving in Chattanooga with her family when she noticed something that just wasn't right.
Ever since Michelle had her first baby, her right breast leaked. But when she took her bra off that day, she noticed it was bloody instead of clear. She immediately did a self-exam and felt a tiny, BB-sized lump on her nipple. By that Friday, she had gone in for an exam and found out that the lump was cancerous.
"It was my mom’s birthday that day, so she was the first one I called. I was scared, devastated, and numb."
Michelle Found Her Breast Cancer Herself
When I asked Michelle what it was like hearing she had cancer for the first time, she told me that she was scared. Being a mom with young children, her mind automatically jumped to the future.
"How will my life change? Will I be alive next year, next week... what? My kids were little at the time and I kept imagining that I wouldn’t be around to see them graduate school, get married, see my grandkids."
When looking at options to treat the cancer, Michelle said she decided to go full ham.
Her cancer was estrogen receptor-positive, which meant hormones were part of the equation. She chose to do a mastectomy with reconstruction on the right side, followed by chemotherapy and hormone therapy to reduce her chances of recurrence.
During her follow-up around the 10-year mark in 2012, her cancer markers started to show an increase in activity related to the estrogen-positive receptors. She then decided to have an oophorectomy, which is the removal of the ovaries, to stop the hormones.
That didn't work. The cancer markers, including CA 27-29, continued to show activity. When that didn't stop the activity, she later had a hysterectomy.
More Than 20 Years Later, Michelle Faced Breast Cancer Again
And then, in May 2024, more than two decades after her first diagnosis, Michelle heard words she never wanted to hear again. She had the exact same type of cancer in her left breast.
When she had her original mastectomy, insurance wouldn't pay for a double mastectomy, so the remaining breast became the one that eventually developed cancer.
After her mastectomy, insurance would only allow her to stay in the hospital for 23 hours following the procedure. She said her pain and nausea were unbearable, but she was pushed out anyway. Her experience also changed the way she thinks about being her own advocate.
"I wish I knew how to navigate the insurance part better," she said. "That would have helped me know how to push for a double mastectomy at the beginning instead of 'waiting' for the cancer to possibly show up again."
Michelle's Support System Helped Her Through Breast Cancer
When I asked Michelle who or what became her biggest source of support during her treatment, she told me that her husband and kids were what kept her going.
But she also had a best friend from high school who was going through the same thing, and it was this kinship that helped her get through some of the hardest moments.
"We would share stories, how we felt, and our fears."
Breast Cancer Changed the Way Michelle Looks at Life
There is another part of her story that has nothing to do with surgery, chemotherapy or doctor's appointments. Cancer changed how Michelle looks at life.
"I also started with a counselor to deal with anxiety and fears. I am a huge advocate of mental health therapy as well as medication. I still struggle with anxiety and fear of death. I have had plastic surgery on both sides, and my breasts are different sizes. It affects how you look; it affects your personal relationships; it makes me think of death more often. It also made me realize that life is short... do the things!"
Michelle said she'd been a horse lover her whole life, but before her diagnosis, she would never spend that kind of money on herself.
"After my diagnosis, I bought myself a horse."
It turned out to be one of the best decisions she ever made.
"BEST decision ever!!! It was MY thing. It gave me something to do (instead of feeling sorry for myself) and gave me a built-in exercise program."
Twenty-four years later, she's still riding. Her horse, her barn family, her children and her grandson give her plenty of reasons to keep moving forward.
That's how I know Michelle. We are both adult women who are living out our horse girl dreams.
What Michelle Would Tell Herself on the Day She Was Diagnosed
When I asked Michelle if she could go back and talk to herself on the day she was diagnosed, what would she tell herself on that December day in 2002?
"You are going to be ok. Don't be afraid. There are going to be some tough days, but this too shall make you stronger."
And then there's this:
"Buy the thing you have always wanted. You can't take money with you when you go, so LIVE YOUR LIFE!"
She Wants Women to Know Their Own Bodies
Her story is a reminder that mammograms matter, but it's also important to know thyself.
"Be comfortable knowing your body and listening to what it tells you. Don't be afraid to go to the doctor. If it turns out to be nothing, great! If it develops into something, take CHARGE."
And if sharing her story convinces even one woman to schedule a mammogram, she says it is worth it.
So make the appointment.
Know your body.
Ask the questions.
Get the mammogram. Schedule your appointment at Owensboro Health Mammography or another provider of your choice.
And if you aer able, consider donating to the American Cancer Society for research or Cancer Pathways Midwest to help those fighting the battle.
Read More: Boonville Woman Attributes Surviving Breast Cancer to Mammogram
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Gallery Credit: Ashley S.