Breast cancer survivor: Initially put off mammogram

I have just passed my 5 year mark as a survivor September 9. I moved up to CDA nine years ago from San Diego.

I was always vigilant about getting my mammograms, and for some reason when I moved up here I just put if off and off. Four years into living here I decided to go..Thank God!

My mammogram went as usual, but two months later I get a call from Kootenai Imaging that they would like me to come back in. I didn't think anything of it. The technician explained that they tried to get my old films from San Diego, but were unsuccessful so they wanted another image.

Well, that image turned into five mammograms, each time them sending it directly to the Radiologist, and the doctor saying " I want another image, I want another image". It was extremely frightening to go back to the imaging waiting room with the other ladies each time just looking at me with wide eyes.

Being me I wanted to make a joke about being "winner, winner, chicken dinner" but couldn't muster up the courage. I immediately had my ultrasound and biopsy. I could see a tear from the ultrasound tech's eye and knew I was "screwed". Then I met Dr. Michael May, my surgeon. He made me feel so comfortable and I had the utmost confidence that he would take care of me, and he did. Then after surgery I went off to see my Oncologist, Dr. Kevin Kim.

He's on the quiet conservative side and I brought with me two loud friends. He must have been thinking "Oh these crazy American women." I had all those mammograms, ultrasound, biopsy and surgery in less than 2 weeks, which after reading online about others' stories I know how fortunate I am.

Every step of the way Kootenai Imaging, my surgeon, Kootenai Hospital, and the Cancer Center were and have been just great. Each staff member helped me, bringing smiles to me and a lot of tears of gratefulness. I remember my friend Dona driving me home after surgery, and I just kept looking out of the window thinking, “Oh that tree is so beautiful. Oh wait, that tree is so beautiful.”

I am extremely grateful for my Kootenai Healthcare workers, my family and friends. The technology is amazing now days, so please go get screened. They are there for you!

By Karri Olson

Schedule your mammogram today! Call Kootenai Outpatient Imaging at (208) 625-6300 or visit www.kh.org/imaging for more information. Imaging locations in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls.