SUNBURY — A breast cancer survivor from Elysburg attributes her survival to new technology that detected her disease early. Roseann Noll found out she had breast cancer after further testing was requested following her routine mammogram. The Thyra M. Humphrey’s Center for Breast Health recommended a breast ultrasound, which is the latest technology in detecting breast cancer in patients with dense breast tissue.
Noll said, “Well this time it didn’t come back normal. They called me and said you need to come back for a repeat ultrasound. I didn’t think too much of it, until they sat me down and said you need to get a biopsy done. And, then you get that phone call and that’s it.”
Noll said she was not at risk for getting breast cancer, “I was the one in eight that you never think it’s going to happen to. It doesn’t run in my family. That’s the first thing they asked me. Does your mom have it? Did your sister have it? The answer was no. My oncologist told me I shouldn’t have gotten it, so, it can happen to anyone.”
She explained what treatment entailed for her, “I had to get surgery done. I had to get a mastectomy. A lumpectomy was out of the question. I got reconstruction done over the spring and summer. Fortunately, I did not need chemo. Everybody is different and everybody’s case is different. Luckily I did not need chemo, which I’m thankful for that. I am on hormone therapy for ten years. I’m just glad to be here.”
She said this experience has had a major impact on her and her family, “Especially my youngest one. She automatically thought I was going to die. The earlier it gets treated, the earlier you find it, the better your chances are because it’s a deadly disease. Don’t let anybody fool you. It’s a deadly disease, and the sooner you catch it, even without risk factors, the better your chances of survival are.”
Noll said early detection and up to date technology saved her life, “Nobody has time for cancer. You think you are so busy. You know, go for your screenings. I remember when they called me. I had to get an MRI between diagnosis and surgery and the girl apologized. She said, I hope that fits into your schedule. I said I’ll make it fit. You make it work. You have to.”
Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation has teamed up with Evangelical Community Hospital to Paint the Valley Pink during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can learn more on our website at www.wkok.com. (Ali Stevens)
