Breast Cancer Care Knowledge Is Power | Early Detection of Breast Cancer Saves Lives
“You have to choose life. To make the decision to fight and never give up,” said Maria Diaz of Corvallis when asked what advice she has for others facing a cancer diagnosis.In early 2020, Diaz began her normal daily routine. Wake up, get ready, head to work. On this day though, while applying deodorant, Diaz felt a hard lump in her left armpit. Not experiencing any pain or sickness, she continued as usual.
Some time had passed, and still not experiencing discomfort, Diaz went to see her family doctor. Further testing confirmed she had locally advanced breast cancer, stage IIIB. Specifically, triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma.
Diaz underwent chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy.
As a cancer survivor, Diaz is grateful for family, her care team and God for giving her another life to live.
You have cancer, cancer doesn’t have you!” said Sonia Graham of Newport.
A large lump in her left breast was discovered during a routine self-exam. After a mammogram and further testing, in March 2020, Graham was diagnosed with clinical stage 2 left breast cancer, an invasive lobular cancer that had metastasized to the lymph node.Graham underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy to help shrink the tumor, followed by a lumpectomy and then a complete lymph node dissection.When cancer was still detected during a follow-up biopsy, radiation therapy — 33 rounds — was the next recommended course of treatment.Today, Graham is now well into remission and joyously celebrates her survivorship.
“Never take life for granted – you only have one!” said Jeanette Campagna of Florence.
Following a routine mammogram in November 2019, Campagna was diagnosed with clinical stage 1 estrogen positive breast cancer, an invasive ductal carcinoma.
Further biopsy determined that three of the four tumors in various quadrants of the breast were positive, leaving Campagna with only one option, a total left breast mastectomy.
Despite the trying circumstances Campagna faced in her cancer journey, she is now thriving as a breast cancer survivor and proudly celebrates being cancer-free.
Samaritan Health Services offers 3-D mammography (tomosynthese exam), plus other imaging services at all diagnostic imaging locations. Fina a location near you and schedule a screening.
The breast center offers specialty breast care and surgical oncology, from prevention and screening, to diagnosis and treatment of conditions like cancer or benign lesions.
The Samaritan Cancer Program is an advanced cancer treatment network, caring for you and your loved ones on this journey, from diagnosis to treatment and onto survivorship.
Concerned about the cost related to breast cancer screenings? Contact the Samaritan Cancer Resource Center to learn about financial assistance options.
Call:541-768-2171 or 541-812-5888
