3D Mammography Helps Find Cancer Early
By Madison Loethen
Jill Cox stepped into Boone Hospital’s Harris Breast Center feeling somewhat confident. She scheduled her routine mammogram for that day after realizing it’d been a couple years since her last scan. The friendly admissions staff greeted her, and she took a seat. Soon she was called back and prepared for the exam.
“The staff at the Harris Breast Center are so calm and reassuring. They just chat with you and keep you comfortable,” says Jill.
Jill opted for the 3D mammogram.
“I had researched it and was grateful that we have such state of the art equipment available here in Columbia,” says Jill.
3D mammography, or breast tomosynthesis, is an image technology that provides an incredibly precise view of the breast tissue. It allows doctors to examine the breast one layer at a time while also seeing the location, size and shape of any abnormal tissue. Small cancers are more visible though this technology.
Jill was at work when she got the call that she had early stage breast cancer.
“I was in shock! It took a while to set in. My mind was racing and all the normal fears rose up in my head. Will I lose my hair? Can I continue to work? Am I going to die?” she wondered.
Jill had successful surgery to remove the cancer; but, she soon learned she would need aggressive chemotherapy to ensure the cancer does not return.
Jill went to Missouri Cancer Associates and met with oncologist Liana Makarian, MD.
“I was scared! Thank goodness for the wonderful care and support of Dr. Makarian and her nurse Ashley at MCA,” says Jill.
She is also grateful to her friends and family, who surrounded her during her surgery and chemo. They comforted her during her treatment and through losing her hair.
“I had really long hair, so losing it was an adjustment for me. The chemo nurses and my loved ones were so supportive. They gave me the strength to face each day of treatment,” says Jill.
Jill is now cancer-free and back at work at her job as Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at Central Bank of Boone County. She is a strong cancer awareness advocate and often encourages friends and family to get screened.
“I am sharing my story in hopes that others get screened. I also want those who are going through what I went through to know there can be a happy ending,” says Jill.
About The Harris Breast Center:
Boone Hospital’s Harris Breast Center is located inside the hospital’s Outpatient Services wing.
With convenient parking and registration, the Harris Breast Center combines the ease of a freestanding center with the technology, expertise and resources of a hospital-based provider. Choosing the Harris Breast Center gives our patients the best of both worlds.
The Harris Breast Center also has a longstanding commitment to being a leader in technology.
The center is ACR accredited with licensed, certified, professional and well-trained radiology staff, technologists and associates ready to attend to patient needs.
To schedule your next mammogram call 573.815.8150.