Valerie's Journey
Story 172

Valerie: If you would've asked me five years ago when I was at the doctor's office, if I would have checked the box for breast cancer, it was always no. And then to have everything change within the last five years has been a lot. In 2019, my mom was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. With that diagnosis, we found out that the women in my family and myself included, carry the genetic mutation for breast cancer. It's called PALB2. I have four kids, and I felt very relieved to know that this would not be something that would be a surprise, that I would know at some point that I would have breast cancer and I could take steps to protect my survival for my family and for my kids.

At that point, I met with the breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Heaney, here at AIS, and we laid out a path. Every year, I will have a mammogram, a breast ultrasound, a breast MRI. You know, mammogram and these tests are not the most comfortable procedures, but they're quick and they're fast, and you're in and out. I think the spa-like atmosphere of quest really makes you more relaxed. Every time I'm in those rooms, I hold my breath a little bit, but also I know I'm in such great hands.

Having a team that's looking over me all in one spot, I don't have to go anywhere else and I can stay in the county, has really been such a blessing. I feel empowered that I have a lens, so to speak, into the future. I get to see what my path looks like, and I'm empowered to make decisions that will keep me alive. I have a lot of people making sure that I am healthy and safe. I feel not worried anymore that my life is in really good hands. There's a plan in place and a lot of people looking over me and I feel very hopeful.