Rosa's Breast Cancer Story: Why Mammograms Matter

The importance of an annual mammogram cannot be overlooked. Rosa Veenstra, resident of Pella, experienced firsthand why early detection is important after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019.

As a result of Rosa receiving her annual mammogram at Pella Regional Health Center, her breast cancer was caught at a very early stage, resulting in quick treatments and a fast recovery. By early 2020, Rosa was free of breast cancer. Without her annual mammogram, Rosa believes she would have had a much tougher road toward recovery had they not caught the breast cancer early.

Pella Regional Health Center
404 Jefferson St.
Pella, Iowa

[bubsisoutdoors]

Cancer sucks! I love you so much mom. ❤️❤️❤️

[mssdn]

I have the same experience, just about to start radiotherapy. I’m lucky, I only have to have 5 days of radiotherapy. It’s good to see you looking well. Thank you for doing this video

[andreamiller]

I am glad I came across your YouTube video today. I am another whose breast cancer was found ONLY on mammogram, it was not palpable and I had no symptoms. All of my prior mammograms had been normal and my last mammogram before the one in May 2021 that found the breast cancer, was sometime in 2017. I got lax and complacent since no earlier mammogram was ever abnormal. My tumor type is not a very aggressive one (papillary) and I asked the breast surgeon, "what if I'd waited for another year?" and she said it may not have looked much different. The only reason I'd scheduled my mammogram when I did, is that my close college friend had her routine mammo 1 month prior and they found breast cancer on her mammogram. And then it became me who also had breast cancer. I was not given a true choice of which surgery to get, but rather, I saw 2 breast surgeons to see what their opinions would be, and both surgeons said that based on the location of the single identified spot on my mammogram, I was a better candidate for lumpectomy rather than the bigger surgery of a mastectomy. They explained that the recurrence risk with a mastectomy was 1-3% and with a lumpectomy was 2-3% (virtually the same risk) so we went for the simpler surgery. Since my abnormal mammogram, I had breast ultrasound to confirm the nature of the mass on mammogram (the ultrasound suggested it was not a benign cyst but was indeed a cancer) and then I was set up for a needle biopsy of the affected breast, during which time they placed a tiny marker to confirm the position of the tumor on other imaging modalities - I next had a breast MRI which did disclose the tumor via the marker and it was the only mass that was seen in either breast. Then, time for surgery - I just had my lumpectomy on Weds 8/11/21 and I won't know for another week whether the pathology will show non-invasive DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) or whether this tumor has escaped the duct which will mean returning for a sentinel lymph node excision and commencing radiation treatment. It does seem that I will avoid chemotherapy, just the anti-estrogen medication for 5 years because I am almost 65 (that is, not for 10 years, just 5, due to age starting out) because the tumor is ER/PR positive, a good thing in terms of treatment. So, bottom line, I am now an evangelist for getting that annual mammogram since I now know first hand what it is to have something discovered on it in time to save my health and life!

[Olga-jsyf]

Thank you, Rosie. Your story is inspiring. I never thought to get checked yearly, despite my mother being the first in the family to get breast cancer at the age of 55 yrs old - 15 years ago. I'm turning 50 next month and I have only been getting mammograms every 2 years. My next one isn't until January 2022. However, a very good friend of mine, who is my age, just got diagnosed with breast cancer. I decided it doesn't hurt to get a mammogram and an ultrasound now, rather than wait. I have no symptoms, I feel perfectly fine, but I'd rather have peace of mind, and like you said, it takes no effort in getting checked. So, thank you! All the best. Enjoy the rest of your life. ❤

[alexcollins]

Well done 👏 Very best wishes for your future.

[yos]

Thanks for sharing your story. What mass they found?

[teresakryvenchuk]

I found out I had breast cancer in 2018. Had chemo, lumpectomy, and radiation. I am healed by the blood of Jesus...

[kisslena]

Great profile! Continued Blessings for Good Health, Strength and Long Life.💐

[sandybowling]

I found out in July I had breast cancer I found it myself I’ve had to go through four weeks of irradiation not no fun I’ll just be glad to get it Over with I had Stage one I had to help a lot done to me and I love the deck to me

[kevinanaks]

Stay brave!!
- learn how to treat cancer yourself
- visit - wattpad - book title; what doctors dont know about cancer