Kriston Lowrance
When Kriston Lowrance’s primary care provider insisted that she get a mammogram, she initially said, “I’m not going.”
With a family history of breast cancer and having been a few years since her last preventative screening for breast cancer, her provider convinced Lowrance to make the appointment.
That advice proved to be life changing. After her initial mammogram, Lowrance was called back for a biopsy. “I went in for the biopsy on April 10, and I found out on April 11 that I had breast cancer,” she said.
Just three weeks later, Lowrance underwent a unilateral mastectomy to remove the cancer and risk of future recurrence.
“It was all really quick,” Lowrance said of the process from diagnosis to surgery. “After doing some research, I decided to have them take the breast so hopefully there is no chance of it coming back, at least on that side.”
She met with her oncologist, and it was determined that because the cancer had been found at an earlier stage, she wouldn’t need chemotherapy or radiation treatments. Because of the nature of the cancer, she will take a hormone inhibitor for the next five years to help prevent recurrence.
During the whirlwind from diagnosis to surgery and recovery, Lowrance leaned on her care team and support from her friends and family. “My care team has been absolutely amazing,” she said. “I’ve never had to have anything like this happen before where I had this huge care team taking care of me.”
One important member of that team was Ella Dugan-Staples, breast cancer patient navigator at the St. Vincent Breast Center, walking with Lowrance from diagnosis through recovery.
“As navigators, we play an important role in supporting women through and after treatment,” said Dugan-Staples. “I am often the first call that women receive after they learn of their diagnosis.”
Dugan-Staples also provides important support services, especially after a mastectomy.
“We know that facing life after a mastectomy can be challenging. That’s why we created Eva’s Boutique with support from donors in the community,” said Dugan-Staples.
Named after a former patient who helped support this effort, the boutique provides specialty bra and prosthesis options for breast cancer patients. Located inside the St. Vincent Breast Center with privacy, comfort and convenience in mind, Dugan-Staples works with patients to discuss which boutique options are a good fit.
While she didn’t initially consider a prosthesis, with Dugan-Staples encouragement, Lowrance was fitted for prosthesis that has beneficial for both her physical and mental health after her surgery.
“We know that a breast cancer diagnosis is difficult, but we want women to know that they are not alone,” said Dugan-Staples.
In addition to her care team, Lowrance felt the impact of encouragement and prayers from afar, including family in Georgia.
“I had people all over the country praying for me,” she said. “I know that this was a God thing, finding it early, having the surgery and not having to have any chemo or radiation, that’s all God. It was all Him.”
Reflecting on her journey, her mother’s own experience with breast cancer weighed heavily on Lowrance. “She had two different types of breast cancer in 2009 and had to have a double mastectomy. She is in remission now,” said Lowrance.
Lowrance admits that fear was one of the reasons she was hesitant to get screened. “It was one of the reasons why I wasn’t going and getting my mammograms, because I didn’t want that diagnosis and ended up having it anyways.”
Her message to other women is clear. “Early detection is super important. Women need to go in and get those mammograms every year,” she said. “They don’t need to put it off. They don’t need to be afraid of the diagnosis because surgery and even chemo and radiation are scary, but they’ll also help you beat this disease. It allows you to live your life and spend it with your loved ones.”
Lowrance recommends that all women follow the guidelines for screening for breast cancer starting at age 40, or earlier if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. If you have questions about when to start screening, it is important to talk with your primary care provider. If you have questions about breast cancer or screening or to scheduled a mammogram call the St. Vincent Breast Center at 406.237.4373 or visit svh.org/mammography.
