Thanks to an incredible effort over the last several decades, there is more awareness about breast cancer now than there’s ever been. And that awareness, along with the vigilance it’s driven among women of all ages across the globe, breast cancer is no longer a hidden disease. We all know someone, or know of someone, who’s battled breast cancer. And now, thankfully, we know a lot more survivors.
One of them is Brittany Clark, a central Ohio mom of four who received expert treatment here at Mount Carmel and was kind enough to share her breast cancer journey with us during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us, Brit. Can you start by telling us how you found out you had breast cancer?
I was diagnosed with Invasive ductal carcinoma in March of 2021. I found a lump in my breast during a self-check on Valentine’s Day. I wasn’t sure what it was but I knew that it had not been there before.
I immediately made an appointment with my GYN. I expected the NP to dismiss it and tell me everything was normal. Instead, she sent me to get a mammogram at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s. In the same visit, they performed an ultrasound. Those results showed that I had two masses on my left breast which needed more testing. I was then referred to Dr. Shilpa Padia’s office. My initial visit was with her PA, Samantha. She went over the pictures with me and told me the tumors were “concerning” and they would need a biopsy to confirm the type and extent of the growth. Within a week I had a biopsy and the results confirmed what we expected to hear – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Her2- +++ Stage 2A breast cancer.
What were your initial reactions to the diagnosis?
My initial reaction was a mixed bag of emotions. I was terrified for what lay ahead for me and my family. I am married and have 4 young children. At the time, my kids were 9, 7, 4, 2 so they, of course, were my greatest concern. I was shocked that this could be happening to me. I have next to no risk factors, and I was so young – only 34. How could this be my life? But I steadied myself in my faith, knowing that God uses all things for good. I knew that I couldn’t waste any time wallowing in self-pity or cowering in fear. I had to be strong, be brave, be joyful, and choose gratitude no matter the circumstances.
How did your treatment begin?
Dr. Padia and my oncologist recommended that I receive 6 infusions of chemotherapy. Mount Carmel was great about helping us get the process going quickly. I found the lump on Valentine’s Day and received my first infusion the week before Easter. I was thankful for the fast turnaround. As far as I was concerned, I wanted the intruders OUT and sent back to where they belong! Thankfully, my medical team agreed and moved quickly to get me into treatment.
How did the care you received from the Mount Carmel team impact your cancer journey?
I am so very grateful for the care I received from everyone at Mount Carmel. I wish I could remember every person’s name and thank them personally. I had to go to almost every single visit, MRI, surgery, infusion – EVERYTHING – alone because of COVID restrictions. It was very scary and very lonely. But I knew I was never alone because the Lord was with me.
Every person I worked, walked, and talked with at Mount Carmel treated me with so much kindness and respect. The doctor who placed my port, the nurse who helped with my mastectomy prep, the ladies who showed patience and grace when I had a panic attack in the MRI room, the nurses in Dr. Padia’s office who bent over backward to schedule my mastectomy so I could still go on our family vacation that was planned before I was even diagnosed, the joy and hope that Dr. Padia and Samantha shared with me…I wish I could list everyone.
I guess I would just say that Mount Carmel was a light in my darkness – a place where hope and peace replaced fear and uncertainty. I will always be grateful for all the people I encountered at Mount Carmel.
How has your journey been since the end of your treatment?
I am now over a year post chemo and surgery. My hair is growing, my stamina is building, and my family is thriving. My gratitude for the journey continues to grow every day. There are lessons around every corner if I am willing to see them. Every day I wake up and welcome the day ahead. With a soft heart and open hands, I try to accept whatever twists and turns and interruptions the Lord sends my way. Every night I practice gratitude for another day well lived, and then I sleep soundly all night. I know that He has numbered my days and I am thankful for each one that I get to live. God is good.
What would you like people to know about becoming more aware of breast cancer?
If you have concerns or questions about your breast health, don’t waste time worrying about what it “might” be. Make the appointments necessary to be sure. It’s better to know your enemy and prepare to fight it than to let it slowly destroy you because you’re afraid of its name.
I would also encourage everyone to consistently do your self-checks so that you know what your breast tissue feels like. If you notice a change, call your GYN right away. Early detection is everything with cancer. Breast cancer is one of the unique types that allows us the chance to find it early.
Do you have any words of encouragement for anyone who’s currently going through their own breast cancer journey?
I’m so sorry you’re going through this difficult time. I know it’s hard. I know the mental battle is almost worse than the physical one. But don’t give up the fight. Even when you are weak, tired, and sick and you don’t feel like yourself, give thanks. There is always something to be thankful for. Self-pity and gratitude cannot coexist. Find a reason to get out of bed every day. Choose joy. Find reasons to laugh. Sing, go for walks, visit with friends. Cancer can steal time and energy and body parts, but it cannot steal faith, hope, and love.
As Brittany said, early detection is the secret to breast cancer survival, and mammograms are the best early-detection tool we have. So keep up with your monthly self-checks, see your doctor regularly, notify them immediately if you notice anything unusual, and, as soon as it’s recommended, schedule your annual mammogram. Because that’s where every survival story begins.