Posted In Patient Stories on October 22, 2024

The importance of annual mammograms – Lisa’s story
My name is Lisa Hohl, and I am a breast cancer survivor.
On Nov. 16, 2021, at 60 years old, I went for my annual mammogram. My last screening was in September 2020, and I was not concerned at the time as I’d had years of normal mammograms, no family history of breast cancer, and never felt any palpable lumps during intermittent breast self-exams.
I was called back to have a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound which was completed on Dec. 2. The radiologist at the TidalHealth Breast Center brought me into her viewing room and showed me images from the year before and the current year, pointing out areas of concern that had drastically changed in a year. She stated I needed a biopsy and was willing to perform it that day. I tearfully called my husband and told him I was going to proceed.
After almost a week’s wait, the biopsy results came back as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) grade III, high grade, triple negative. A breast MRI performed on Dec. 10 showed areas of abnormal enhancement in the medial upper right breast and another area at 12 o’clock and another area abutting the chest wall. The left breast had no evidence of malignancy. My diagnosis was confirmed.
The next step was treatment. I got initial opinions from two breast surgeons: Dr. Sechler from TidalHealth and Dr. Liang from Luminis Health in Annapolis. They both said the same thing: I needed a total mastectomy on the right. Scared that the other breast would eventually have cancer, I met with two plastic surgeons and decided to have bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomies with implant placement at the same time. On Feb. 2, 2022, the procedure was performed by Dr. Holton from Luminis Health as an outpatient surgery due to the pandemic.
On the road to recovery, I was told there was no lymph node involvement, and all margins were clear with breast tissue removed. At that point, my husband and I were elated because I was told no chemo or radiation would be needed.
By the end of May 2022, just prior to my three-month check-up with the surgeon, I felt a lump in the area where the original malignancy was. An ultrasound was performed which showed a recurrence of a tumor, and another biopsy confirmed that another surgery would be needed, which was performed on July 27, 2022. Pathology from that surgery came back that DCIS was still seen in the margins and would require a third surgery, which was performed on Aug. 17, 2024. After this surgery, margins were negative for DCIS.
I would need radiation next. I met with both Drs. Kucinski and Mansueti to decide on treatment. My genetic testing results were negative. I underwent 33 radiation treatments from September to October 2024 and was able to ring the bell. Now over two years since my diagnosis, I am still a survivor.
For women who may be fearful of going for preventative screenings, my advice is to not miss a year because things can change quickly, like in my case.
I am a Nurse Practitioner at TidalHealth Primary Care in Millsboro. Although I don't tell my experience to my patients, I always recommend yearly mammograms. Coming from no family history of breast cancer and many years of normal mammograms, it is important to continue with these screenings. I believe that if I had missed my mammogram in November 2021, because of the pandemic or any other reason, I might have developed metastatic cancer because triple negative cancer is fast growing. I feel blessed that I chose to get my screening.
Following my diagnosis and treatment, my life hasn't changed, but my outlook has. I try to intentionally start each day in a positive way and always be happy, enjoy life and stay positive. I love to spend time with my family, work out routinely and garden.
Become part of TidalHealth's Drive for Mobile Mammography. TidalHealth will be raising funds to bring a mobile mammography unit to Delmarva. This unit will drive to underserved areas to offer breast cancer screenings to our friends, families, and neighbors who may not have access to healthcare. Learn how you can donate and help us save lives.