The power of screening: From routine mammogram to life-saving diagnosis

As a retired nurse, Laura Dobbins knew the importance of regular breast cancer screening. But life kept her busy. Between caring for her mother, recovering from spinal surgery and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, getting a mammogram slipped down her priority list.

Finally, she was in recovery from surgery and looking forward to a fun summer. She kicked it off by getting the mammogram she had been putting off. Despite a family history of cancer, Dobbins was not worried; this was a routine check, something she had been doing for years.

But it turned out to be anything but routine when the screen revealed a concerning sight: two tumors in her right breast.

“When radiology told me it looked like cancer, it was surreal. I just had spinal surgery and was finally feeling good – then to be hit by this. My head was spinning.”

"I dodged a bullet catching it when I did. Had I waited another few months to get screened, we’d be having a very different conversation."

Laura Dobbins
breast cancer survivor

Fortunately, she caught the cancer early. Even though one of the tumors was described as aggressive, she was still in Stage 1 – but barely.

Doctors told her that had she waited even a few more months to get screened, she might be in Stage 2, worsening her prognosis. There were also signs the cancer had invaded her lymphatic vessels, which indicated it was spreading – another development that could complicate treatment and recovery.

“The good news was it wasn’t yet in my lymph nodes … But it was close. I dodged a bullet catching it when I did. Had I waited another few months to get screened, we’d be having a very different conversation.”

Catching the cancer

Within two weeks, Dobbins was in surgery at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. A lumpectomy removed the tumors, followed by a second surgery to make sure cancer cells on the edges were gone. Next came a course of high-dose radiation therapy.

She is now doing hormone treatment to reduce the chances of the cancer returning. To stay healthy, she is also committing to a Mediterranean diet, regular exercise and stress management.

Dobbins described the surgeries and radiation as tough but manageable, though they were not without complications. Not only did she have to endure the pain of two surgeries and an allergic reaction to the surgical glue, but she also experienced burns, soreness and swelling from the radiation. And she had to go through all that while coming back each day to a house under construction.

But Dobbins was fortunate to have a strong network behind her. Support poured in from her daughter as well as from her sister, cousin, partner and closest friends.

“My daughter has been my godsend. She said, ‘Mom, you’re not doing this alone.’ She stayed with me all summer and continued to drive me to every radiation appointment.”

She also credits her Hollings team, Andrea Abbott, M.D., Jennifer Harper, M.D., and Abi Siva, M.D., for easing the process through their kindness, responsiveness and honesty. Given the intimate nature of breast cancer treatment, she felt more comfortable with an all-female care team who understood what she was going through and respected her need for transparency.

“I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier team,” Dobbins said. “They listened when I said I didn’t want sugarcoating and needed the facts of what’s going on. And they gave me that.”

Genetic testing brought peace of mind

Dobbin’s cancer journey prompted her to pursue genetic testing – something she had considered before but had not fully understood the importance of until now. She realized that the results could provide answers not just for herself but for her entire family.

“I wanted my daughter, my future granddaughters and my whole family to know where we stood and be able to make the most informed decisions possible about their health.”

"I wanted my daughter, my future granddaughters and my whole family to know where we stood and be able to make the most informed decisions possible about their health."

Laura Dobbins
breast cancer survivor

Fortunately, the test results came back negative for the BRCA genetic mutation and other cancer-related gene mutations. That was a huge weight lifted from her shoulders. While it did not change her own treatment, it brought peace of mind in two important ways: It meant her cancer was less likely to return because of an inherited genetic risk, and her loved ones were not facing an elevated risk tied to those mutations.

Altogether, these experiences have reinforced for Dobbins the importance of regular screening and genetic counseling.

“I had no symptoms. You couldn’t even feel anything. But this threat was lurking. I might not be here if I hadn’t been seen when I was. It speaks to why regular screening is so critical.”

Her other advice to patients facing a cancer diagnosis: Pick a team you trust and that makes you feel heard.

“Breast cancer is scary, but it doesn’t have to be terrifying. We can’t control everything, but we can live healthy lives, pay attention to prevention and take care of each other.”

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