Routine test reveals early cancer cells

By LAJUAN MOONEY / Features editor

In June of 2000, Corinne Thomas went in for her yearly mammogram. There was no family history of breast cancer or warning signs, so she wasn't worried.

In fact, according to the chart in the dressing room, everything looked OK.

Bad news developed. "Donna Thompson, breast imaging at Saline Memorial Hospital, found the cancer right next to my chest wall," said Thomas.

"It was very difficult to find, and when the needle localization was done, Donna actually laid on the floor to hold me in position to get the needle right in the exact place for my biopsy."

Dr. Jerry Dixon performed the biopsy and immediately knew it looked suspicious. The next week, Thomas was sent to anoncologist, Dr. Mary Anne Harrington.

"My husband and I had already agreed a mastectomy was what we wanted, so we wouldn't have to worry if it was going to come back," she said.

In July 2000, Dixon performed the mastectomy at SMH. "The care I received, from scheduling the surgery to the nurses on the floor, was always done with care, respect and concern," said Thomas.

Since a mastectomy was the course of action chosen, radiation was not necessary.

However, she did have six chemo treatments every three weeks. On Dec. 5, 2000, Thomas took her last treatment and has been cancer-free since.

"When asked if I strongly encourage women to have checkups a big smile comes on my face and I say YES, and I recommend SMH," she said.

"If you find something suspicious while performing a self exam, it is important that you consult your doctor immediately. Most of the time it's nothing to be concerned about, but there are always cases like mine," she said.

"At times, people have commented you must have been really scared," she says. "I often tell them-how could I have been scared with God, my family, friends and the great care I received from my doctors and SMH?"