Aspire

As a phlebotomist and lab assistant at Grant Regional, Maria has dedicated her medical career to caring for others but never expected to be a patient herself. “A breast cancer diagnosis always takes people by surprise. No one is expecting it,” she said. “Especially me.”

At the time of her diagnosis, Maria was healthy, active and enjoying life. “I didn’t see this coming,” Maria shared. “That was until I noticed a lump in my breast.” Her experience taught her that breast cancer can touch anyone. “I do monthly self-breast exams, so I noticed the change and didn’t hesitate
to schedule a mammogram right away.

Maria’s journey was difficult and challenging. Following a mammogram, ultrasound, and stereotactic breast biopsy within days, she was diagnosed with Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) on January 16. TNBC is considered an aggressive form of breast cancer because it grows and spreads quickly and has a more serious prognosis than other types of breast cancer.

Maria was extremely grateful to Grant Regional for the technology and services that have been added over the last few years to allow for advanced diagnostic testing close to home and shorter wait times for her peace of mind. She elected to have a mastectomy as recommended by her doctors, but through it all, she never walked alone thanks to patient-centered care and compassionate support from her care team at Grant Regional.

“From my primary care provider Dr. Eli James to all my nurses and ultimately my surgeon and surgical staff, it felt like home with the wonderful care provided,” said Maria.

“I honestly feel grateful for the entire process from beginning to end and I think that everyone at Grant Regional and everything they strive to do for patients is so remarkable” Maria said.

“She was incredibly strong and brave,” said her daughter Calie, who also works at Grant Regional. “I think she is such an inspiration to those who saw her fight and determination through difficult days and her joy when she celebrated the good days.”

Today Maria is back at work and grateful to have caught it early and now cancerfree. “My message to others is to ALWAYS do monthly breast exams and get your annual mammogram. Something so easy that you can do yourself, could save your life by catching it sooner. Early detection to key.”