Last August, 67-year-old Susan LeBlanc noticed an abnormal spot on her left breast and decided to schedule a mammogram and ultrasound. Although her mammogram appeared normal, the ultrasound revealed a different story. Susan’s doctor immediately referred her to Dr. Lindsey Fauveau, a breast specialist at Woman’s Hospital, for a biopsy. The biopsy results showed that it was invasive ductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts.

Thankfully, Susan and her care team caught the cancer before it had spread to any lymph nodes. “If I would have put it off, it would have been way further advanced because it was aggressive,” she said. Susan quickly started chemotherapy as well as radiation due to the skin involvement.

Despite being afraid, she found support in her care team at Woman’s Hospital. “I was scared at first,” said Susan. “But y’all assured me everything would be fine, that I could beat it. And day by day, we got through it.” Dr. Fauveau later performed a double mastectomy as part of Susan’s comprehensive treatment plan.

As part of her care, Susan also decided to do genetic testing to better understand how her diagnosis might affect her family. The results from these tests indicated Susan had a mutation of the ATM gene, which can increase your cancer risk by 30%. After this discovery, some of Susan’s family members decided to get tested. It turns out that Susan’s sister, one of her daughters, and a cousin all carry the same gene mutation. Susan said this insight gives them a chance to be more mindful and proactive in their health.

Throughout her journey, Susan felt the care she received made all the difference in her recovery. “They gave me the best care ever. They were always upbeat and gave me great information. I knew exactly what was going on and I never had to worry. It was very comforting for me and my family to go through this process with Woman’s Hospital.”

Today, Susan is cancer-free and shares her story with others in the hope of inspiring them to take charge of their own health. “I want everybody to make sure you go for your yearly mammogram. And if you notice something different, speak up; call your doctor and don’t put it off.”